The four Community Planning Workshops (Feb to May) generated many practical recommendations (see reports on the web or at libraries). Many people have expressed interest in having workshops to address some issues in more depth. Please plan to attend these two workshops:

This workshop will focus on the following issues and may consider other issues raised by participants.

Problem - There are not mechanisms to creatively integrate residential, commercial and conservation areas and discourage sprawl, strip commercial and commercial creep.

… Establish a planned unit development, PUD, ordinance for developments by large property owners.

… Create a provision for overlay districts or planning areas that will allow coordination of individual and joint development activities

Problem - Current one unit per acre standards limit the ability to meet different housing markets; including affordable housing. The low density also makes the provision of sewer, water, roads, etc. more costly or cost prohibitive. Current and new septic tanks impact water quality.

… Zone certain areas for higher density

… Create policies for allowing density increases

… Adjust minimum lot widths on beaches and water fronts (possibly requiring public access in exchange)

Problem - These units often have inadequate requirements for parking, septic tanks/sewers, water, solid waste, and road capacity.

… Establish requirements for parking, septic tank/sewer, water, solid waste, road capacity on a per bedroom rather than per structure basis.

… Require a bed tax for short-term rentals and use funds for additional facilities and services.

… Others?

1) Clarify roles of the County Commission., Planning and Zoning Board of Adjustments and Pl. and Building Department

2) Identify and clarify issues to be addressed

3) Seek consensus on regulation system enhancements

There will be workshops on St. James Island (Eastern Franklin Co.) this fall.

For more information on the Community Planning Process, guidelines for submitting photo or written essays or proposals, input on draft recommendations go to http://consensus.fsu.edu/franklin/, contact your local library or call Tom Taylor at 850-644-7816.

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Dr. Tom Taylor, Associate Director

FL Conflict Resolution Consortium

2031 E. Paul Dirac Drive, #132

Tallahassee, FL 32310

ph 850-644-7816

Suncom 284-7816

FAX 850-644-4968

http://consensus.fsu.edu