St. Lucie County approves final site plan for 4540 N. Kings Highway, clearing way for 165‑unit rental community

The St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners voted April 7 to adopt a final development plan for a planned rental community at 4540 North Kings Highway, approving a revised site layout that reduces the previously entitled unit count and increases contiguous open space.

Irene Sedlmeier, senior planner in the county’s planning and development services department, told the board the project was rezoned to a planned unit development in December 2024 and that the final plan is ‘‘very consistent with what was approved’’ at rezoning while reducing density and improving spacing between buildings. The plan proposes 165 rental dwelling units on roughly 36.65 acres and dedicates an 80‑foot right of way along the property’s southern boundary for a future east‑west road.

The applicant’s representative said the redesign reduces the previously approved 191 units, expands contiguous common open space to about 16.87 acres, and provides roughly 3.2 parking spaces per dwelling. ‘‘The final site plan is consistent with the approved PUD, reduces density from what was previously entitled, and significantly increases usable green space for future residents,’’ the representative said.

Why it matters: the board’s action advances a large rental development that the county says will be served by adequate public facilities and fire protection and that preserves more open space than the prior entitlement. Commissioners emphasized compliance with setback and parking standards and noted the project remains subject to multiple agency approvals before construction or occupancy.

Requirements and conditions: staff listed several conditions the developer must meet before site development permits or certificates of occupancy, including written confirmation from Florida Power & Light about any encroachments in its easement, FDOT authorization or permit for the southern entrance (the south access is to be used for emergency access only), completion of primary and secondary access drives, and dedication of the southern right of way prior to the first certificate of occupancy. Sedlmeier also noted the lease will be required to prohibit parking on grass or outside designated parking spaces.

Board action: Commissioner Claspy moved to approve the final development plan; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote. The motion and staff comments made clear the approval is conditional on the listed agency confirmations and on meeting the PUD requirements before occupancy.

Next steps: the developer must secure the listed permits and confirmations, and obtain site development and building permits before any construction or occupancy. The board will consider any required permit or lease documents as they are submitted to staff.