Summary Of EAR Based Amendments

2007 Evaluation & Appraisal Report (EAR)

Escambia County’s Comprehensive Plan Update

As required by Florida Statutes, Escambia County is currently in the process of updating its Comprehensive Plan.  The Comprehensive Plan is a long-range master plan that directs future growth and development and serves as a guide for making local land use decisions.  It helps the County prioritize capital projects and plan for efficient and cost-effective provision of infrastructure and public services.   The Comprehensive Plan also serves to protect and preserve the County’s economic base, its rich heritage and abundant natural resources.  Finally, the Comprehensive Plan seeks to protect and enhance quality of life for residents and visitors alike through the year 2030.

In 2006/07 Escambia County held a series of 25 workshops, meetings and public hearings to review its existing Comprehensive Plan.  The final evaluation document - the Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR) – was adopted by the Board of County Commissioners on August 2, 2007.  The series of recommendations found in the EAR serve as the basis for the update of the Comprehensive Plan.

Escambia County has also conducted an analysis of its future land use categories and zoning districts (CECAS I and CECAS II Studies), and, based upon that analysis, proposes to consolidate and simplify those designations on County’s Future Land Use Map (FLUM) and Zoning Map.  The goals, objectives and policies of the Comprehensive Plan must also be updated consistent with these proposed land use and zoning changes.

In June 2008, Escambia County retained MSCW Inc. (MSCW), an Orlando-based Planning, Design & Engineering firm, to assist in the update of its Comprehensive Plan consistent with the EAR, CECAS I and II studies and best planning practices.  Since then, MSCW and County staff have been working to draft proposed changes to the Comprehensive Plan and facilitate public participation and input into the Comprehensive Plan update.

Comprehensive Plan Update – Public Workshops

Escambia County will be seeking public input on the proposed Comprehensive Plan update in six (6) public workshops to be held in January and February 2009.  One (1) public workshop will be held in each of the five County Commission districts to provide all citizens the opportunity to participate and provide input.  Each workshop will generally comprise an overview of the process and proposed revisions to the Comprehensive Plan, FLUM and Zoning Maps.  This will be followed by break-out sessions into smaller groups where all attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, make comments and provide input.  Each group will have staff members to facilitate the discussion and record all public input. For anyone unable to attend the public workshops opportunities will be provided to submit written comments.

A summary of the public input received will be posted to this site in PDF format as it becomes available.

A final public workshop will then be held at the Escambia County Governmental Complex to report back on the results of the five district workshops and summarize revisions made to the draft Comprehensive Plan as a result of public input received at those workshops.

The schedule of public workshops is shown below: 

Comprehensive Plan Update Schedule

While the public workshops offer the best opportunity for the public to comment and offer constructive input on the proposed revisions to the Comprehensive Plan, FLUM and Zoning Map there will be further opportunities for public comment during the public hearing process.

The proposed amendments will be discussed and voted on at the Local Planning Agency (LPA) and Board of County Commissioners (BCC) transmittal public hearings expected to be held in March and April 2009, respectively. 

After the Florida Department of Community Affairs (DCA) has reviewed the proposed amendment package, the Local Planning Agency (LPA) adoption public hearing is expected to be held in July 2009 and the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) adoption public hearing is expected to be held in August 2009. The dates and times of these meetings will be posted as they are scheduled.

The provisional Comprehensive Plan Update Schedule is posted below.  It will be revised over time as necessary.

Land Development Code (LDC) Update

The goals, objectives and policies contained in the Comprehensive Plan are implemented through the Land Development Code (LDC).  The LDC also establishes performance standards for each zoning district depicted on the Zoning Map and generally regulates development and redevelopment activities in incorporated Escambia County.

In spring 2009, after the public workshops for the Comprehensive Plan update have been concluded and public hearing process initiated, County staff and MSCW will initiate an audit of the LDC as the first phase of a process to update the LDC consistent with the proposed changes to the Comprehensive Plan and the Zoning Map. 

The Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Map updates must precede the LDC update to ensure consistency is maintained between the new Comprehensive Plan and new LDC but the time between adoption of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan and the LDC will be limited to minimize confusion and avoid delays in development activity.  A schedule of the LDC update process will be published at a later date.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Q: What is Comprehensive Planning?

A: Comprehensive Planning is a long-range course of action for guiding orderly growth and development. 

    2. Q: Why is good planning important?

A: Good planning is important to direct growth towards areas where adequate public facilities can be efficiently provided and away from environmentally-sensitive, rural and agricultural areas.

    3. Q: Why is Escambia County updating the Comprehensive Plan?

A: Escambia County is updating the current Comprehensive Plan in accordance with Rule 9-J5 of the Florida Administrative Code.  The new Comprehensive Plan will have a horizon year of 2030.

    4. Q: What is the deadline for adopting the new Comprehensive Plan?

A: The Florida Department of Community Affairs has granted Escambia County a six-month extension for adoption of the new Comprehensive Plan.  That deadline is October 16, 2009.

    5. Q: What chapters (elements) comprise the new Comprehensive Plan?

A: The draft Comprehensive Plan comprises those elements required by Rule 9-J5.

• Future Land Use
• Mobility
• Housing
• Infrastructure (Wastewater, Solid Waste, Stormwater Management, Potable Water & Aquifer Recharge)
• Coastal Management
• Conservation
• Recreation
• Intergovernmental Coordination
• Capital Improvements

   6. Q: What will Escambia County look like in 2030?

A: According to the Bureau of Economic and Business Research (BEBR) the population of Escambia County will grow from an estimated 309,647 residents in 2006 to a projected 382,000 residents in 2030; an increase of 72,353 residents or almost 30,000 households.  Most, if not all, of that projected population increase is expected to occur in unincorporated Escambia County.

   7. Q: What issues does the Comprehensive Plan address?

A: The Comprehensive Plan addresses where those new residents will live, where new housing units should be built and how public infrastructure and services will be provided (roads, water, sewer etc.). It addresses what areas of the County should be preserved and protected from development.  It also addresses how Escambia County will prioritize capital improvements projects and coordinate with local, regional and state agencies in areas of shared concern or jurisdiction.

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