Commission transmits Fort Pierce Commerce Center land‑use amendment to state for review

Senior Planner presented the Fort Pierce Commerce Center future land use map amendment as a transmittal hearing: the board’s vote would send the change to state and regional agencies for review, not grant final approval. Staff described the site’s location (South Kings Highway, west of I-95 and Copenhaver Road), noted existing commercial and residential parcels nearby, and said the amendment would allow a mixed-use development (MXD) restricted to industrial uses and require a planned nonresidential development (PNRD) with buffers and a conservation easement.

Leslie Olson, principal with District Planning Group representing the applicant, said the proposal responds to neighborhood input, preserves uplands with a conservation easement, and limits access to Kings Highway. Olson also noted the site is within a Kings Highway Jobs Corridor study and that traffic analysis estimates about 1,300 daily trips with roughly 140–150 peak-hour employees. Planning & Zoning recommended transmittal unanimously.

Commissioners asked staff and the applicant whether the preserved area could be better reflected on the map for neighborhood clarity; the applicant said a subarea policy and PNRD language can codify protections and buffering. The board moved, seconded and voted to transmit the amendment to state review.

Why it matters: Transmittal begins the state and regional review process for a changing land-use designation that can set the stage for a large commercial/industrial development; it includes commitments to preserve sensitive uplands and limit access to Kings Highway.

What’s next: The amendment will be transmitted to state and regional agencies for formal review; subsequent PNRD review and local permitting would follow if the amendment proceeds.