As Council will recall, the City entered into an Interlocal Agreement with Pasco County to annex the subject property into the corporate limits of New Port Richey effective as of October 1, 2024. As required by Florida Statutes, the City must assign an appropriate Land Use for the property.
The subject property currently has a Pasco County Land Use Designation of Retail/Office/Residential (ROR). The area consists of commercially developed and vacant lots along US Highway 19 and Gulf Drive. It is surrounded by commercial development on three sides and mobile homes on the other side. The highest and best designation that the City has would be commercial as it is primarily surrounded by commercial development and is situated along US Highway 19, a major road.
The City is proposing to amend the Future Land Use Map to designate the subject properties as Highway Commercial. This will allow continued economic development and orderly commercial growth.
Compatibility with Comprehensive Plan
The proposal is consistent with the following Goals, Objectives, and Policies of the City’s adopted Comprehensive Plan:
- FLU 1 To promote compatible land uses which will maximize, enhance and preserve New Port Richey’s unique and attractive characteristics in a manner consistent with the economic, physical, ecological and social needs, capabilities and desires of the community.
- FLU 1.3.2 The City shall promote commercial development that serves to maintain or enhance the economic health of the City, and to increase job opportunities, per capita income and convenience for residents.
- FLU 1.3.3 Commercial land uses shall be located in a manner which ensure the compatibility with the type and scale of surrounding land uses and where existing or programmed public facilities shall not be overburdened.
Planning Review
The proposed Future Land Use Map Amendment is a necessary step in the annexation of the subject properties. The approval of the amendment will enable the rezoning of the site, and facilitate its growth and redevelopment as an attractive and engaging development that will continue to further the goals of the city.
The Land Development Review Board reviewed this matter at its regular meeting on October 24, 2024 and recommended that a Future Land Use Map amendment from Pasco County Retail/Office/Residential (ROR) to Highway Commercial (HC) would be consistent with the City’s Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use Map.