CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM AT FGCU

Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) has established a Construction Management Department, offering a Bachelor of Science Degree in Construction Management. The program was introduced to the business community with a Day at the Ballpark on March 16th. The event was sponsored by REIS, Lee BIA, the CCIM Chapter, Realtors Land Institute (RLI), and FGCU. The Construction Management Department is part of the U.A. Whitaker College of Engineering at FGCU.

HEARING ON USE OF WETLANDS

The Lee County Board of County Commissioners has delayed the public hearing on land uses in wetlands until May 22nd. County staff has proposed an amendment (CPA1029-00001) to the Future Land Use Plan that will authorize Lee County to issue Development Orders for non-residential uses in the wetlands category where impacts are authorized by a State agency.

CAPE CORAL OVERHAULS LDC

Cape Coral City Council has approved a major rewrite of the Land Development Code (LDC), which now will be reviewed by State agencies. The changes are intended to make the LDC more consistent with zoning and facilitate commercial and multi-family residential development. The amended LDC may be reviewed on the City’s website, along with an interactive mapping tool to compare existing zoning with proposed zoning.

STATE LEGISLATION UPDATES

Home Rule: HB 3 would prohibit local governments from imposing or adopting new regulations of businesses after a certain date. Preempts regulation and licensing of professions and occupations to the state. Proceeding through committees with minor revisions.

Impact fees: HB 207/SB 144 would revise minimum requirements for adoption of impact fees by specified government agencies. Exempts water and sewer connection fees from Florida Impact Fee Act. Bill has passed all referred committees.

Open and Expired Building Permits: HB 447/SB 902 is moving through committees with much support - provides requirements related to open & expired permits, permit requirements, closing of permits, amendment of Florida Building Code, applicability, & notice requirements.

Wetlands Mitigation: CS/SB 532 authorizing a local government to allow permittee-responsible mitigation on lands purchased and owned by a local government for conservation purposes under certain circumstances; requiring such mitigation to meet specified requirements. Bill has passed the referred Senate committees.

Dredge and Fill Permitting: HB 799 urges Congress to direct U.S. EPA to issue memorandum of agreement so Florida may complete assumption of section 404 dredge & fill permitting program under federal Clean Water Act. On State Affairs Committee agenda April 8th. Comprehensive Plan Amendments: HB 6017 removes acreage limitations applying to small-scale comprehensive plan amendments. Bill is proceeding through House committees with strong support. Opportunity Zones: HB 481 would enable state and local governments to provide incentives to developers if they proceed with opportunity zone projects that benefit the local community. Bill is in committee review.