Our Growth & Development

A Planned Unit Development (PUD) is a zoning classification that gives the property owner some flexibility in setting up the standards for their project. They can set their own development standards, such as lot size, house size, setbacks, etc.

According to Section 158.170 of the Zoning Code, the intent and purpose of a PUD zoning is to provide for the creation of new neighborhoods or community areas offering a physical, social, and economic environment of high quality. Specific objections include the following:

1. The establishment of an orderly pattern of land uses geared to accommodate both near-term and long-term community needs;
2. the efficient and economical use of land;
3. appropriate and harmonious variety in physical development, creative design, a high level of living and working amenities, including plentiful open space and recreation opportunities;
4. efficient and effective systems of public facilities and services;
5. a high degree of compatibility with adjacent and nearby existing and future development;
6. appropriate conservation and preservation of natural features and resources; and
7. and the staging of development so as to best serve the general welfare of the City.

Port St. Lucie was originally developed by General Development Corporation (GDC). GDC developed 66 square miles into primarily single-family lots. This development included providing minimal infrastructure such as roads and drainage. Because GDC platted or subdivided all this land into single family lots and other tracts for nonresidential development, it is called a “platted community.” This original platting or subdividing of the City was commenced in the 1950s and continued through 1980s. This was also a time when regulations were minimal. During this time there was little concern for the future needs of the community, infrastructure needs (water & sewer) and environmental issues or concerns were not paramount.

The City’s first Comprehensive Plan was approved in 1980. In the early 1980s the State adopted significant legislation requiring all cities and counties to adopt a legally binding comprehensive plan. The City’s first Comprehensive Plan adopted by ordinance was in 1983. Generally speaking, a comprehensive plan sets the goals, objectives and policies that ultimately set the stage for the land development regulations. Land development regulations include the zoning ordinance, landscape code, sign regulations, and environmental regulations (wetland and upland protection, habitat preservation, etc.).

GDC incorporated the properties they owned into the city in 1961; only properties they owned were a part of the City’s original boundaries. The attached map shows the City’s planning areas. Planning areas 1, 2, 3, 4N, 4S, 5, 6, and 7 are all parts of what GDC incorporated into the City. All the developments in these planning areas were not developed by GDC, but the platted areas where developed by GDC. Notably, certain areas platted by GDC within the original City boundaries are subject to decision of the Development of Community Affairs (DCA) which found that the areas were grandfathered in or “vested” to single-family use notwithstanding subsequent changes to the City’s comprehensive plan or land development regulations.

St. Lucie West, the properties west of I-95 (Tradition, Southern Grove, Western Grove, Riverland and Wilson Groves) and some properties along US #1 are not considered part of the original platted city.

According to Section 151.05(B) of the City’s Code, any person or organization, including the federal government, the State of Florida, the City of Port St. Lucie and any of their agencies, authorities and departments may petition for an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan, or portions, in accordance with Chapter 163, Part II Florida Statutes.

According to Section 158.316(C)(2) of the Zoning Code a rezoning of property can be initiated by the City Council, the Planning and Zoning Board, other departments and agencies of the City, and owners of real property within the City.