Planning and Zoning

The Planning Department is charged with several administrative and statutory duties to meet the specific purpose of Chapter 163, Code of Florida, as amended. To implement these objectives, the City of Rockledge has adopted the City of Rockledge Zoning Ordinance, a Subdivision Ordinance, and a Comprehensive Plan. As part of the Comprehensive Plan, the City of Rockledge has developed a Future Land Use map, which provides a general guide for the growth and development of the City.

Other duties and responsibilities of the Planning Department include:

Zoning

To provide for the orderly use and development of land. Zoning regulates development through land use classifications and dimensional standards. Typical land use classifications included single-family residential, multi-family residential, commercial, institutional, industrial and recreational. Each land use must comply with dimensional standards that regulate the height, bulk and area of structures. These dimensional standards typically take the form of setbacks, side yards, height limits, minimum lot sizes, and lot coverage limits.

Comprehensive Land Use Planning

Regulation Act

The Local Government Comprehensive Planning and Land Development Regulation Act (Chapter 163, Part II of the Florida Statutes) - also known as Florida's Growth Management Act - requires all of Florida's 67 counties and 410 municipalities to create and adopt comprehensive land use plans that guide future growth and development.

Comprehensive plans contain chapters or "elements" that address:

• Capital improvements
• Conservation
• Future land use
• Housing
• Infrastructure (potable water, sanitary sewer, storm water, etc)
• Intergovernmental coordination
• Public schools
• Recreation and open space
• Transportation
• Property rights

Review

These comprehensive plans undergo a review every seven years through an Evaluation and Appraisal Report. The comprehensive plan is then updated based on the findings in the Evaluation and Appraisal Report.

Land Development

The Land Development Code contains development-related regulatory information. Included are definitions of zoning districts, permitted uses in zoning districts, requirements for specially regulated uses, development plan review process, environmental management, and special area plans. The City’s Land Development Code is found in the City’s Code of Ordinances and can be found on the Municipal Code website.

Development Review Committee

The Development Review Committee (DRC) is made up of City Staff from various disciplines to review development applications and submittals including site plans, subdivision plats, construction plans, development agreement, and other development orders and applications. All submittals for the DRC are made through the Planning and Zoning Department.

Zoning Determinations

Individuals contacting the Planning Department can find out information on what a property is zoned, what uses or structures are permitted on a property, and what the minimum bulk requirements are, such as minimum lot size, lot width, setback requirements, etc.

Maintain and Provide Public Information

Maintain a public record of all matters pertaining to the Zoning or Subdivision Ordinance or any process or approval required by the Ordinances, and make those records available for inspection or copy to the public.

Building Permit Review

Building Permits are issued by the Building Department, but require review and approval by the Planning Department for compliance with the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance. This includes review of all building permits for new or re-construction or any additions or other buildings on industrial, commercial or residential.

Application Process

Process all applications for rezoning, variances, special exceptions, Annexations, Subdivision & Commercial Site Plan Review, Comprehensive Plan amendments and other requests that are required under the Zoning or Subdivision Ordinance to be reviewed by the Board of Adjustment, Planning and Zoning Commission, and/or City Council.

Recognition Programs

• Tree City USA for 31 years
• SNAP (simplified, nimble, accelerated, permitting) certified for 3 years

Grants

• Acquire grants for municipal projects, as directed by City Council with input from department heads
• Maintain required documentation for the life of the grant

ADA Compliance Measures

• Equal Opportunity Policy