Walden Lake Rezoning
If you have any questions, please send an email to Planning & Zoning at planning@plantcitygov.com.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) concerning the Walden Lake Golf Course.
1. Has a revised site plan been submitted for PB-2020-17 by Walden Lake, LLC?
No. A revised site plan has not been submitted for PB-2020-17.
2. Has Walden Lake, LLC filed anything?
Yes. Walden Lake, LLC has filed a Preliminary Plat requesting to split the golf course into 21 different tracts of land and has also requested an administrative review of the proposal using the standards established in the “Live Local Act” (Codified in Section 166.04151, Florida Statutes.)
3. What is a preliminary plat?
A preliminary plat is an early step in the development process that deals solely with the division of land. It is reviewed by staff and the Planning Board for its compliance with Chapters 94 (subdivisions) and 102 (zoning) of the Plant City Code, Chapter 177 of the Florida Statutes (which deals with platting), and other relevant Florida Statutes. Ultimately, final plats are considered for approval by the City Commission.
4. What is the Live Local Act?
Signed by the Governor in March, 2023, the Live Local Act is a comprehensive, statewide workforce housing strategy, designed to increase the availability of affordable housing opportunities for Florida’s workforce, who desire to live within the communities they serve, by incentivizing developers. Among other things, the Live Local Act provides that:
“A municipality must authorize multifamily and mixed use residential as allowable uses in any area zoned for commercial, industrial, or mixed use if at least 40 percent of the residential units in a proposed multifamily rental development are, for a period of 30 years, affordable as defined in Section 420.0004. Notwithstanding any other law, local ordinance, or regulation to the contrary, a municipality may not require a proposed multifamily development to obtain a zoning or land use change, special exception, conditional use approval, variance, or comprehensive plan amendment for the building height, zoning, and densities authorized under this subsection. For mixed-use residential projects, at least 65 percent of the total square footage must be used for residential purposes.” Section 166.04151(7)(a), Florida Statutes.
“A municipality may not restrict the density of a proposed development authorized under this subsection below the highest allowed density of any land in the municipality where residential is allowed.” Section 166.04151(7)(b), Florida Statutes.
“A municipality may not restrict the height of a proposed development authorized under this subsection below the highest currently allowed height for a commercial or residential development located in its jurisdiction within 1 mile of the proposed development or 3 stories, whichever is higher.” Section 166.04151(7)(c), Florida Statutes.
“A proposed development authorized under this subsection must be administratively approved an no further action by the governing body of the municipality is required if the development satisfies the municipality’s land development regulations for multifamily developments in areas zoned for such use and is otherwise consistent with the comprehensive plan, with the exception of provisions establishing allowable densities, height, and land use. Such land development regulations include, but are not limited to, regulations relating to setbacks and parking requirements.” Section 166.04151(7)(d), Florida Statutes.
5. Has the City decided whether the project qualifies for the Live Local Act?
The application is still under review by City Planning and Zoning staff at this time.
6. May I discuss Preliminary Plats with a member of the Planning Board or City Commission?
Platting is quasi-judicial, which essentially means the Planning Board and City Commission are operating under procedures resembling those of a court of law or judge. All testimony and other evidence must be on the record at a public hearing. Communications outside of the public hearing (also known as “exparte communications”) are prohibited. Based on the advice of the City Attorney, Planning Board members and City Commissioners are unable to discuss proposed plats with anyone outside of a public hearing. This includes communication in-person, telephone, email, text, letter, etc.
7. I didn’t see my question addressed here, what should I do?
Contact the Plant City Planning and Zoning Division, at planning@plantcitygov.com.
