FUTURE LAND USE [FLU]

Responding to the needs of our community with the intent to improve our citizens’ health and quality of life, we must equitably plan for the built and natural environments in which they interact. The Future Land Use Element (FLU) considers the needs of the community and defines the distribution of the many use categories while considering the relationships among them. These uses and development pattern influence the transportation network; the types and amount of housing that can support the population; and the need to provide jobs, services and public facilities. The development of the built environment must be balanced with the need to protect the natural environment to ensure the County’s sustainable future.

Everyday Actions

Did you know that there are several opportunities for you to hear about and share your opinion regarding land use and zoning decisions in the County? There are many boards and committees that hold public meetings/hearings. Here are just a few:

  • Local Planning Agency (LPA) – recommends changes to the Comprehensive Plan, Future Land Use, the Land Development Code, etc.
  • Board of County Commissioners (BCC) – reviews changes to the Comprehensive Plan, Future Land Use, the Land Development Code, the Zoning map, etc.
  • Board of Adjustment and Appeals (BAA) – reviews variance requests for setback reductions, lot area reductions, parking requirement reductions, Type 2 Use review, etc.
  • Historic Preservation Board – countywide policy to address historical protection and redevelopment issues among local communities.
  • Development Review Committee (DRC) – makes recommendations to the Board of Adjustment and Appeals (BAA), the Local Planning Agency (LPA), and to the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) regarding public hearing items such as land use and zoning changes, Type 2 and Type 3 use approvals, right of way/easement vacations, variances, plats and non-conforming use modifications.

Check out the County’s website for meeting schedules and agendas.

Goals, Objectives, Policies & Strategies 

FLU GOAL 1 (Land Uses):  

PROVIDE A VARIETY OF LAND USE CHARACTER AREAS TO MEET THE NEEDS OF A DIVERSE POPULATION AND SUPPORT THRIVING, RESILIENT, QUALITY COMMUNITIES.

FLU GOAL 2 (Healthy Places):  

CREATE SAFE, HEALTHY PLACES THAT PROVIDE A SENSE OF COMMUNITY FOR OUR RESIDENTS, WORKERS AND VISITORS.

FLU GOAL 3 (Range of Housing):  

PROMOTE MIXED-INCOME COMMUNITIES THAT PROVIDE A RANGE OF HOUSING TYPES AND COSTS TO MEET THE NEEDS OF OUR RESIDENTS.

FLU GOAL 4 (Economic Growth):  

PROMOTE LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT PATTERNS THAT SUPPORT EQUITABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH.

FLU GOAL 5 (Mobility):  

ADVANCE LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT PATTERNS THAT SUPPORT MOBILITY FOR ALL USERS AND PROVIDE SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE.

FLU GOAL 6 (Natural Environment):  

PROMOTE A BALANCED RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE BUILT AND NATURAL ENVIRONMENT.

FLU GOAL 7 (Public Facilities):  

PROVIDE A LAND USE PATTERN THAT CAN BE SUPPORTED BY COMMUNITY AND PUBLIC FACILITIES AND SERVICES.