EAR Based Amendments


The purpose of the evaluation and appraisal report (EAR) is to provide a summary analysis of the county’s major planning issues and identify any actions that are required to address these issues.  The EAR is the planning tool that is utilized in the assessment process. The results of the EAR are then used to update the goals, objectives, and policies contained within the comprehensive plan. 

Chapter 163, Florida Statutes requires that every municipality and county adopt a comprehensive plan that guides the long range planning process within their jurisdictional boundaries. As part of this process, the comprehensive plan is intended to be a dynamic document. It can be amended to address changing development patterns, the provision of public facilities and services, the protection of environmental resources, and to encourage cooperation between local governments. Florida Statutes set forth a method to periodically monitor the effectiveness of the comprehensive plan. This is a two-stage process beginning with preparation of the Evaluation and Appraisal Report and ending with the adoption of amendments to the comprehensive plan recommended by the EAR.

In 2006/07 Escambia County held a series of 25 workshops, meetings and public hearings to review its existing Comprehensive Plan. The final evaluation document - the Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR) – was adopted by the Board of County Commissioners on August 2, 2007. The series of recommendations found in the EAR serve as the basis for the revision of the Comprehensive Plan.

Comprehensive Plan Revision Schedule

The Board of County Commissioners (BCC) approved the transmittal package on December 10, 2009. The transmittal package has been reviewed by the Department of Community Affairs (DCA); the County received the Objections, Recommendations and Comments (ORC) Report February 19th. The Adoption Package was approved by the BCC at the June 3, 2010 BCC meeting to be transmitted to the DCA. The Notice of Intent & Statement of Intent was received July 21, 2010.

Escambia County's Comprehensive Plan Revision
As required by Florida Statutes, Escambia County is currently in the process of revising its Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan is a long-range master plan that directs future growth and development and serves as a guide for making local land use decisions. It helps the County prioritize capital projects and plan for efficient and cost-effective provision of infrastructure and public services. The Comprehensive Plan also serves to protect and preserve the County’s economic base, its rich heritage and abundant natural resources. Finally, the Comprehensive Plan seeks to protect and enhance quality of life for residents and visitors alike through the year 2030.

Escambia County has also conducted an analysis of its future land use categories and zoning districts (CECAS I and CECAS II Studies), and, based upon that analysis, proposes to consolidate and simplify those designations on County’s Future Land Use Map (FLUM) and Zoning Map. The goals, objectives and policies of the Comprehensive Plan must also be revised to be consistent with these proposed land use and zoning changes.

In June 2008, Escambia County retained MSCW Inc., an Orlando-based Planning, Design & Engineering firm, to assist in the revision of its Comprehensive Plan consistent with the EAR, CECAS I and II studies and best planning practices. Since then, MSCW and County staff have been working to draft proposed changes to the Comprehensive Plan and facilitate public participation and input into the Comprehensive Plan update.

 

Note: All pending dates are tentative and may be subject to change. DCA deadline for Comprehensive Plan adoption is October 16, 2009.

 

Webpage updated July 27, 2010