Volunteer Sought for the Planning Board

The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners is seeking Escambia County residents interested in volunteering to be considered for an at-large appointment to the Escambia County Planning Board.

ESCAMBIA COUNTY PLANNING BOARD

The Escambia County Planning Board was established by the Board of County Commissioners through adoption of Escambia County Ordinance No. 88-15.  Ordinance 2004-9, adopted 02-05-2004, made changes as stated: Pursuant to, and in accordance with, F.S. 163.3174 et seq., and Section 2.01 of the Escambia County Comprehensive Plan, the Planning Board is established and designated as the “Local Planning Agency” (LPA) for the total unincorporated area under the jurisdiction of the BCC. 

It shall be the continuing duty of the Planning Board to be currently informed and knowledgeable of the conditions and development of the County and to make studies and recommendations relating to County growth management, either initiated by the Planning Board, the County Administrator, or the BCC.  The Planning Board shall hear, give consideration to, and make recommendations to the BCC on the following matters in accordance with the requirements of the applicable County Ordinance or State regulation: 

1. Comprehensive planning program including preparation of the Comprehensive Plan or elements or positions thereof for the County.
   1. Coordination of such Comprehensive Plan or elements or portions thereof with the Comprehensive Plan or other appropriate city/town governments and the State.
   2. The monitoring of the effectiveness and status of the Comp Plan adopted by the BCC.
   3. Changes in the Comprehensive Plan as may be required from time to time.
   4. Text change to County ordinances designed to promote orderly development as set forth in the Comprehensive Plan.
2. An application by any person, including the County, proposing the enactment, amendment or repeal of a land development regulation shall be made to the Director of the Planning & Engineering Department on forms provided by the department.  Completed applications will be forwarded to the Planning Board for consideration at a public meeting, and the Board shall make a recommendation to the BCC.  The meaning of land development regulation, as stated in this subsection, does not include a quasi-judicial action on a rezoning request.
3. Applications on the following land use matters.
   1. Proposed County-initiated legislative rezoning of an area of specifically designated properties that does not require a quasi-judicial hearing.
   2. Proposed amendments to the overall zoning ordinance (LDC).
   3. Interpret provisions of the LDC for clarification or determination of meaning and intent, if questions should arise regarding the meaning (more in Section 2.07.01).
   4. Planned Unit Developments (PUD). 

At-large members serve a two-year term of office and attend one meeting per month (generally the first Tuesday of the Month).   Meetings are generally from 8:30 a.m. to no later than 12:00 p.m.; however, occasionally may go beyond 12:00 p.m., depending upon the agenda.  No travel is involved unless the Planning Board Members decide to view a particular property for informational purposes. Financial Disclosure is required.

Escambia County residents interested in being considered for a possible appointment to the Escambia County Planning Board to begin serving in April 2016 are asked to submit a resume and letter indicating their desire to serve by close of business on February 29, 2016.  Letters and resumes should be submitted to Kayla Meador; 3363 West Park Place; Pensacola, Florida 32505; or emailed to [email protected].