Overview

Every 7 years, the state requires that all municipalities and local governments update their comprehensive plans to, at a minimum, reflect recent legislative changes. In addition, the EAR process is also an opportunity to address community concerns and desires within the comprehensive plan.

Objectives

  • Review changes to state statutes over the last 7 years
  • Compare Florida statute changes with the 19 chapters of the Comprehensive Plan
  • Identify areas within the Comprehensive Plan where updates might be needed (I.e. references to Indiantown)
  • Notify the State of Florida of the County’s intent to develop EAR and potential changes

Process

  • Growth Management Department reviews required Florida Statute changes to Martin County Comprehensive Plan
  • Comprehensively evaluate and, as necessary, update comprehensive plans to reflect changes in local conditions
    • Items discussed and identified in the EAR process may or may not result in changes to the Comprehensive Plan
    • If there are recommended / required changes to the Comprehensive Plan, those will have their own required public hearings
  • Conduct public outreach
  • Hold 3 public hearings
  • Transmit all of the EAR amendments to the Department of Commerce as one package  

Timeline

  • 1st Quarter 2023: Review required Florida Statute changes
  • 2nd - 4th Quarter 2023: Conduct public outreach: individual interviews, 1st EAR workshop, online survey
  • 1st Quarter 2024: 2nd EAR workshop and complete public input summary
  • 2nd Quarter 2024: Conduct first public hearing for plan amendments  (LPA meetings)
  • 4th Quarter 2024: Conduct second public hearing to send plan amendments to the state for review and comments (Board meetings). This must be completed prior to November 27.
  • 1st Quarter 2025: County receives comments from the State, makes any necessary changes, schedules the third public hearing. The Board can make more restrictive changes prior to adoption or vote not to adopt the Comprehensive Plan amendments.