Palm Coast council debates new ‘master plan mixed use’ land category; directs staff to workshop housing and FLUM

Palm Coast City Council members spent more than three hours debating proposed changes to the city’s comprehensive plan, focusing on a new Master Plan Mixed Use (MPMU) land-use category, the treatment of existing Development of Regional Impact (DRI) areas west of the railroad, and updates to the housing element and future land use map (FLUM).

The council did not adopt the plan amendment at the March 4 meeting. Instead, after extended discussion, council members directed staff to retain the existing 02/1935 FLUM for now, request a deadline extension from the state, and schedule a special workshop focused on the housing element and the MPMU policies.

Why it matters: the comprehensive plan guides long-term land uses, infrastructure planning and regulatory consistency. Opponents warned the new MPMU designation is vague and could reduce the city’s ability to require specific conservation, open space and industrial/commercial set‑asides in large annexations; supporters said the MPMU is intended to help structure a mixed-use community west of U.S. 1 and to create employment centers and village centers that could attract commercial and industrial development.

What council discussed - Scope and timing: Staff explained the city transmitted the amendment to state reviewing agencies and received a comment letter on Oct. 7. State review creates a statutory deadline (the letter gives the city until early April to respond), so major changes could require re-notification to the planning board and a state extension request. - MPMU design: Staff described the MPMU as a template that would be implemented by a master-plan development (MPD) and development…