REVIEW PROCESS

The development review process within the environmental permitting section can take many forms depending on what type of development is proposed. We review all proposed development to ensure the development is in compliance with the natural resource regulations as approved and adopted by the Board of County Commissioners. We strive to provide excellent customer service and to foster understanding of why protection of the County’s natural resources is important to all of its citizens.

Here are some of the different types of reviews in which we participate and some tips for you to help expedite the process.

Tips

One of the most common reasons we have to put your development application on hold is that the application is incomplete. Here are some of the more common missing items from a development application.

• 1. If you have wetlands on your property, be sure to submit a certified survey of the wetland boundaries that has been approved by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, St. Johns River Water Management District or us.
• 2. If you have an existing tree canopy or trees larger than 4 inches in diameter at breast height, a tree and vegetation survey is required.
• 3. If your property is located on a water body, a survey depicting the location of the mean high water line is required.
• 4. If wetland impacts are proposed, a mitigation plan that compensates for the losses of those wetlands is required.

Another common reason your application can be put on hold is non-payment of the application fees. Applications cannot be processed until all fees are paid.

Building Permits

The Natural Resources Management Office participates in the County’s One-Stop Permitting Process. We devote one full-time position to this process. We review proposed single-family homes, pools, fences and a wide variety of permits to ensure compliance with the natural resource regulations.

Subdivisions and Site Plans

We review all proposed residential, commercial and industrial development to ensure that the project is in compliance with the natural resource regulations.

Comprehensive Plan Amendments and Rezoning Applications

We provide technical assistance to the Planning and Zoning Office on proposed Comprehensive Plan amendments and rezoning applications. We provide information on what type of natural resources may be present on a property and what natural resource regulations may be applicable.

Land Alterations (borrow pits, spoil sites or sand mines)

We review proposed land alterations to ensure compliance with the natural resource regulations. Land alterations are those projects where dirt or rock is removed from a site and placed elsewhere or where dirt or rock is deposited on a site.

Private Lakes

If you need to dig a pond or lake greater than ¾ acre, you will need a permit from us. We review proposed ponds and lakes to ensure they comply with the applicable setbacks and are designed to provide valuable wildlife habitat.

Seawalls and Revetments

If you own waterfront property, you will need to obtain a permit from us to install a seawall or revetment. Properties must be experiencing erosion and non-structural alternatives have failed before you may be eligible for a hardened shoreline.

Exemptions

Most of the County’s natural resource regulations contain exemption for certain activities or properties from having to comply with the regulations. If you think you may be exempt, you can request an Ordinance Exemption Letter from us. We will provide to you, in writing, whether you qualify for the exemption.