Manatee County tries to figure out how to adjust to almost 70,000 more people by 2035
Manatee County staff is working with a consultant to prepare updates to the county's comprehensive plan, and they presented a progress update to commissioners Tuesday.
The group is evaluating a series of different elements, including future land use, conservation, coastal management, transportation, housing, historical and cultural elements, recreation and open space, public facilities, capital improvements, intergovernmental coordination, public school facilities, and property rights.
Commissioners aim to modify the plan to accommodate projected population growth, which is estimated to reach 447,800 residents by 2025 and 517,300 residents by 2035.
"Planning documents are not meant to sit on a shelf for 30 years ... that's what's happened to our code and comprehensive plan," Manatee County Director of Development Services Nicole Knapp said. "We didn't evolve as the county evolved."
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Staff and Kimley-Horn and Associates are drafting goals, objectives and policies to host public hearings starting in August. Commissioners are expected to adopt the new comprehensive plan in October.
Kimley-Horn Vice President Kelley Klepper said the county needs to adhere to SB250, which became law in November 2023 in response to Hurricanes Ian and Nicole. The law prevents municipalities from adopting more restrictive amendments to comprehensive plans or land development regulations. It also prevents them from adopting more burdensome procedures for site plans or permitting reviews.
He said there are several issues with future land use elements, including concern over language that at times is overly specific and at other times when it is vague and open to interpretation. Klepper also recommended the county clarify the components that constitute "mixed-use" development and consolidate redundant references to policies.
Previously: Manatee County strips local wetland protections amid outcry from residents and advocates
Recommendations for conservation elements include updates to environmental coordination organizations and updates to the names of governmental agencies, updates to map data, and implementation of recent wetland protection policy changes.
Transportation element recommendations include the implementation of mobility fees, and proposed housing element changes include ensuring policies such as addressing the needs of the chronically homeless.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Manatee County's population expected to grow by 70,000 in 10 years
