CPA2011-01001; ORD 8247-01CPA 2011-01001
ORDIANCE 8247-01
ITEM: E.3.
PLANNER: LAUREN MATZKE, AICP
,r:
CDB Meeting Date: April 19, 2011
Case Number: CPA2011-0100.1
Ordinance No.: 8247-11
Agenda Item: E. 3.
CITY OF CLEARWATER
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
REQUEST: Comprehensive Plan Amendment to incorporate recommendations from
Clearwater Greenprint: A Community Action Plan for Sustainability
INITIATED BY: Planning & Development Department
BACKGROUND:
The City of Clearwater has been taking steps to become more sustainable and address energy efficiency
over the last five years. In 2007, Mayor Hibbard signed the U.S. Conference of Mayors Climate
Protection Agreement, committing to protect the environment through the reduction of greenhouse gas
emissions. The city followed this action by partnering with the University of South Florida to complete a
greenhouse gas inventory for municipal facilities and operations in 2008. The city also became a certified
Green City in 2009 through a program administered by the Florida Green Building Coalition that
recognizes cities for outstanding environmental stewardship. City departments continue to take steps to
become more sustainable by examining municipal operations and offering tools to city residents to
become more energy efficient.
The classic definition of sustainability is meeting the needs of the present generation without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Sustainability is at issue because
humans are using natural resources at faster rates than they can be restored and generating waste and
pollution at faster rates than they can be assimilated.
As Clearwater looks to a sustainable future, solutions for meeting community needs and desires will
require an understanding of the interrelationships between the three spheres of sustainability- economic,
environment and social. The city must take the long view and reexamine values as it strives to balance
economic vitality, ecosystem services and community well-being. Through vision-driven policy-making
and consideration of the "triple bottom line" in capital and operational budgeting, the city can create
mutually reinforcing systems of sustainability that save money and resources and improve community
resiliency, competitiveness and health.
The city was awarded a U.S. Department of Energy Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant in
2009, a portion of which was allocated to the "Clearwater Energy Efficiency, Conservation and Mobility
Strategies" project. Phase I of this project culminated in the development of Clearwater Greenprint.• A
Community Action Plan for Sustainability, avision and strategic plan addressing energy efficiency and
mobility. Phase II, commencing later this year, will involve Community Development Code amendments
and master planning for proposed "Energy Conservation Areas" and "Energy Conservation Corridors."
Clearwater Greenprint builds upon the city's existing energy-efficiency programs while also addressing
legislation enacted in 2008 and 2009 by the Florida Legislature. House Bill 697 (2008) established new
local planning requirements relating to energy efficient land use patterns, transportation strategies to
address greenhouse gas reductions, energy conservation, and energy efficient housing. Senate Bill 360
Community Development Board -April 19, 2011
CPA2011-01001- Page 1
(2009) requires local comprehensive plans to include land use and transportation strategies to address
mobility, including alternative transportation modes, in Transportation Concurrency Exception Areas.
The 21-member Clearwater Greenprint Stakeholder Steering Committee, appointed by City Council on
August 5, 2010, met eight times to identify issues and opportunities and, in the process, generated almost
200 greenhouse gas reduction strategies categorized under eight major topic areas. Five of these topic
areas were determined to have direct impacts on greenhouse gas reduction (i.e., land use and urban form,
transportation, green energy and buildings, solid waste, and water resources), while the remaining three
topic areas (i.e., education and awareness, food production, and green business and jobs) were found to be
indirectly related to greenhouse gas reduction but vitally important to achieving the greenhouse gas
reduction targets. This universe of strategies was ranked using a methodology accepted by the
committee. Top-ranked strategies were subject to further analysis for potential inclusion within
Clearwater Greenprint. There have been two Community Open House events held for public input on
Clearwater Greenprint strategies and associated comprehensive plan amendments. The project team has
also completed a public outreach campaign where project information was presented to 10 civic and
service organizations and at various community events.
The proposed amendment to the Clearwater Comprehensive Plan is necessary for implementation of
related Clearwater Greenprint strategies and to address the requirements of House Bill 697 and Senate
Bill 360. While there are existing goals, objectives and policies in the Comprehensive Plan that are
supportive of Clearwater Greenprint, the proposed amendment will achieve greater consistency between
the two planning documents.
ANALYSIS:
The requirements of House Bill 697 necessitate amendments within four Comprehensive Plan elements:
Land Use, Transportation, Housing and Conservation. The Comprehensive Plan must discourage urban
sprawl, include greenhouse gas reduction strategies, depict "energy conservation areas" within the Future
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Corresponding to the mobility requirements of Senate Bill 360, the proposed amendments support
multiple transportation modes and address levels of service on certain high volume streets where more
compact development would be directed to support more livable, walkable places.
The proposed amendment consists of 1) new goals, objectives and policies; 2) substantive changes to
existing policies; and 3) minor changes to existing policies that are editorial or provide clarification. An
amendment summary is provided in the following. Attached Ordinance No. 8247-11 details the proposed
policy changes in underline/strikethrough format.
Land Use Element
• Establish Energy Conservation Areas and Energy Conservation Corridors to be the focus of city
redevelopment and energy-efficiency programs and initiatives and develop related energy
efficiency provisions in Community Development Code. [Note: These areas were selected based
on 1) high levels of human activity (e.g., housing, jobs, commerce); 2) relative prospects for
redevelopment; 3) appropriateness for compact, mixed use, pedestrian-oriented development; and
4) proximity to transit and multi-use trails (existing and proposed).]
• Clarify land use issues relating to transportation network and site design issues relating to
transportation.
• Define energy efficiency as part of provisions for quality development.
• Include sustainability education as part of public art program.
• Establish need to define areas suitable for energy production from renewable sources.
Community Development Board -April 19, 2011
CPA2011-01001- Page 2
• Outline strategy for considering various forms of urban agriculture as appropriate uses within the
City.
Transportation Element
• Create more detailed policies for pedestrian and bicycle facilities, including improved
intersections.
• Formalize existing policy direction for creating "Complete Streets."
• Integrate more detailed guidance for intergovernmental coordination in efforts to plan, prioritize,
fund and implement transit enhancements and new service.
• Reduce level of service standards for certain streets within Downtown and Clearwater Beach
Energy Conservation Areas and Gulf to Bay Boulevard Energy Conservation Corridor.
• Introduce pedestrian and bicycle level of service standards into the concurrency management
system. The aspiration is level of service "C" for bicycle and pedestrian facilities.
• Provide more detailed guidance for prioritizing transportation funds among facilities serving all
modes of transportation.
• Update text relative to recent adoptions of transportation plans (e.g., Pinellas MPO 2035 Long
Range Transportation Plan).
Housing Element
• Promote increased energy efficiency through use of alternative and renewable energy sources
within the residential sector.
• Provide guidance for prioritizing and funding projects with energy efficiency measures.
• Call for update to Community Development Code to integrate practices to increase energy
efficiency in site and building design.
• Provide educational material for residents on energy and resource conservation.
Conservation Element
• Establish greenhouse gas reduction targets (10 percent by 2020 and 25 percent by 20351 and
adopt by reference Clearwater Greenprint: A Community Action Plan for Sustainability.
• Reinforce policy statement on meeting air quality standards.
• Clarify techniques to improve water quality, reduce water usage, sequester carbon and improve
air quality.
• Maintain and improve the urban forest.
• Provide strategies to reduce energy use and improve energy efficiency.
• Allow for and encourage energy production from renewable sources.
STANDARDS FOR REVIEW:
Pursuant to Community Development Code Section 4-603.F., no amendment to the Comprehensive Plan
shall be approved unless it complies with the following standards:
1. The amendment will further implementation of the Comprehensive Plan consistent with the goals,
policies and objectives contained in the Plan.
The Comprehensive Plan contains certain goals, objectives, and policies that address the three spheres
of sustainability -economic, environment and social -including water and natural resources
protection, land and energy conservation through rules discouraging urban sprawl, and housing
affordability by encouraging sustainable building techniques to reduce energy costs in new housing
construction. The establishment of Energy Conservation Areas and Energy Conservation Corridors is
highly consistent with Goal A.6, which calls for "innovative and flexible planning and engineering
practices," and Objective A.6.8 which addresses the identification of areas that are appropriate for
Community Development Board -April 19, 2011
CPA2011-01001-Page 3
redevelopment as livable communities and require that specific sustainable elements be used in the
redevelopment of these areas. The possible standards and incentives for energy efficient design
proposed in Policy A.8.13 would address many of the policies contained within this objective,
including building active, attractive communities that aze designed at a human scale, encouraging
walking, cycling and use of mass transit, and encouraging mixed-use development that includes a
combination of compatible land uses having functional interrelationships and aesthetic features. The
proposed, amendment also further implements Objective A.6.9, to decrease energy consumption, use
more renewable energy and reduce the impact of the built environment on the natural environment. In
addition, the amendment furthers Policy H.1.1.2, which states that Clearwater supports
intergovernmental coordination in transportation and mass transit planning, through the MPO, PSTA
and TBARTA. The proposed amendments build upon these ideas, expanding the current policies to
address the additional requirements and to implement the endorsed strategies contained within
Clearwater Greenprint.
2. The amendment is not inconsistent with other provisions of the Comprehensive Plan.
The proposed amendment is consistent with other provisions of the Comprehensive Plan.
3. The available uses, if applicable, to which the property may be put are appropriate to the property in
question and compatible with existing and planned uses in the area.
The proposed amendment does not propose any changes related to the use of property, but instead
encourages energy efficient design and retrofits. New development within designated Energy
Conservation Areas and Energy Conservation Corridors would be guided by master plans that
consider the unique context of and community vision for each area or corridor. The public will be
engaged in the planning process to ensure that master plans are compatible with existing and planned
uses in the area.
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The amendment does not propose any changes to the use of property and, therefore, will not create
any additional demands on public facilities. The adequacy of public facilities will be assessed and, if
need be, resolved as part of the master planning process for Energy Conservation Areas and Energy
Conservation Corridors. Based on current public facility capacity, it is anticipated that adequate
public facilities will exist to accommodate future development within these areas.
S. The amendment will not adversely affect the natural environment.
The proposed amendment implements the vision of Clearwater Greenprint. Sustainability is directly
related to reducing natural resource consumption, generating less waste, and reducing pollution
within the environment. The amendments include the addition of policies incentivizing energy
conservation, combating soil erosion and protecting against air pollution. The proposed amendment
will add a new objective and two supporting policies to the Conservation Element that address the
availability of current and future water supplies, complementing efforts to reduce potable water
consumption for landscaping through the use of native plants and xeriscaping. Anew goal, which
calls for the reduction of natural resource consumption and greenhouse gas emissions to provide a
sustainable environment and quality of life, includes the addition of two objectives and ten policies
adopting the greenhouse gas emission reduction targets and Clearwater Greenprint, as well as
monitoring new concepts for managing energy resource conservation.
Community Development Board -April 19, 2011
CPA2011-01001- Page 4
New development must comply with impervious surface ratio standards, tree preservation
requirements and drainage and water quality standards. Therefore, the proposed amendment will not
adversely affect the natural environment.
6. The amendment will not adversely impact the use of property in the immediate area.
The proposed amendment provides policies to incentivize energy efficient development and
supporting infrastructure within designated Energy Conservation Areas and Energy Conservation
Corridors. To avoid or minimize potential negative impacts on property, policies call for the
development of master plans that are tailored to the local context. Any potential for adverse property
impacts will be determined during the development specific master plans, which will include
opportunity for public input.
SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATION:
Through targeted redevelopment, there is an opportunity to create compact, complete and energy efficient
places with amenities that define quality of life of the community and increase its sustainability. Green
buildings, multiple travel options, food-producing community supported agriculture and gardens, drought
tolerant landscaping, clean energy sources, greenhouse gas consuming green spaces and recycling are all
parts of the equation. As the policy foundation for growth and development in the city, the Clearwater
Comprehensive Plan is the appropriate document to contain the policies discussed herein.
Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that the proposed amendments will further the goals, objectives
and policies of the Clearwater Comprehensive Plan, is consistent with other provisions of the Clearwater
Comprehensive Plan, will not result in inappropriate or incompatible uses, will not adversely affect the
natural environment or impact the use of property in the immediate area, and sufficient public facilities
exist to implement the proposed amendment.
Based upon the foregoing, the Planning and Development Department recommends APPROVAL of
vrdtiiance :`:o. Q2,?=11 that amends the Cleu, ;rater ComrrehenS:ve Plan.
r
Prepared by Planning & Development Department Staff:
Lauren Matzke, AICP
Planner III
ATTACHMENTS:
^ Ordinance No. 8247-11 and Exhibit A
^ City of Clearwater Comprehensive Plan: Policy Framework for Creating a More Efficient and Sustainable Clearwater (December 2010)
S:lPlanningDepartmentlCOMPREHENSIVEPLAN12011 Comp Plan AmendmentslCPA2011-01001 -GreenprintAmendmentslStaff
ReportlOrdinance_No_8256-11_2011_04-19_CDB_Staff Report.doc
Community Development Board -April 19, 2011
CPA2011-01001-Page 5
Resume
Lauren Matzke, AICP
100 South Myrtle Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33756
727-562-4547
Lauren.matzke(a,myclearwater.com
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
• Planner III
• Planner II
City of Clearwater
October 2008 to present
September 2008 to October 2008
Responsible for numerous aspects of the Growth Management Act of Florida such as
comprehensive planning, Future Land Use Plan amendments, rezonings, and annexations.
Update Community Development Codes by Ordinance. Prepare staff reports for the City
Council and Community Development Board. Responsible for providing informational
assistance to the public and developers concerning development plans. General planning for
development and redevelopment.
• Senior Planner
City of St. Pete Beach, FL
February 2007 to September 2008
Implemented new legislative directives for Florida's growth management laws related to
governments' comprehensive planning and land development regulations. Served as staff to
the City Commission, Planning Board and Historic Preservation Board. Administered the
land development regulations, processed future land use plan amendments and rezonings.
Prepared a special area plan for the commercial district within the City's Historic District.
Served as the city's representative on countywide and regional planning agency committees.
Authored the City's Evaluation and Appraisal Report. Maintained the Certified Local
Government requirements for the historic preservation program.
• Environmental Specialist III August 2005 to February 2007
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Tallahassee, FL
Served as primary reviewer of local government comprehensive plan amendments, sector
plans and evaluation and appraisal reports for the northwest region of Florida. Provided
comments and recommendations to the Florida Department of Community Affairs. Drafted
policies and comprehensive plan language regarding natural resource protection, assisting
local government representatives. Served as the Department's representative on thr Rural
Economic Development Initiative (REDI) and numerous springs protection working groups.
• Planner August 2006 to December 2006
Florida Planning and Development Lab
Tallahassee, FL
Comprehensive Plan update for the Town of St. Lucie Village, Florida. Amended the
Town's Comprehensive Plan, including Goals, Objectives and Policies and Data and
Analysis to bring into compliance with all changes to Florida Statutes since 1993. Performed
land suitability analysis utilizing GIS to guide amendments to the Future Land Use Map.
Created a complete and updated Map Series using best available data for all Elements.
• Planning Intern
Glatting Jackson
Orlando, FL
June 2005 to August 2005
Case study research and reports on transit oriented developments for City of Charlotte, NC.
Identification of stakeholders for community involvement portion of transportation project.
Participated in iterative design process at community and client meetings in Pennsylvania for
traffic corridor redesign project.
EDUCATION
Master's Degree in Urban and Regional Planning, Florida State University, 2006
Bachelor of Science in Design and Environmental Analysis, concentration in Gerontology,
Cornell University, 1998
LICENSES AND ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIPS
American Institute of Certified Planners (2009 to Present)
American Planning Association (2003 to Present)
Florida Chapter (2003 to 2005)
New York Metro Chapter (2005 to Present)
ORDINANCE NO. 8247-11
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CLEARWATER, FLORIDA, MAKING
AMENDMENTS TO THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OF THE CITY,
INCLUDING AMENDMENTS TO THE FUTURE LAND USE,
TRANSPORTATION, CONSERVATION, AND HOUSING ELEMENTS; BY
INCORPORATING NEW GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND POLICIES AND
MAKING SUBSTANTIVE CHANGES TO EXISTING POLICIES TO
ESTABLISH ENERGY CONSERVATION AREAS AND ENERGY
CONSERVATION CORRIDORS, TO ADDRESS URBAN AGRICULTURE,
TO CREATE MORE DETAILED POLICIES FOR PEDESTRIAN AND
BICYCLE FACILITIES, TO ADDRESS COMPLETE STREETS, TO
ESTABLISH GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION GOALS AND REDUCE
GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS, TO ADDRESS AVAILABILITY OF
CURRENT AND FUTURE WATER SOURCES, TO PROVIDE
STRATEGIES TO REDUCE ENERGY USE AND IMPROVE ENERGY
EFFICIENCY, TO INCORPORATE SUSTAINABLE DESIGN AND LOW
IMPACT DEVELOPMENT PRACTICES INTO RESIDENTIAL
DEVELOPMENT DESIGN, TO ENCOURAGE THE USE OF
ALTERNATIVE AND RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES, AND AS
RECOMMENDED IN THE CLEARWATER GREENPRINT: A
COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN FOR SUSTAINABILITY; BY MAKING
MINOR EDITORIAL CHANGES; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the U.S. Conference of Mayors has adopted a strong policy
resolution calling upon cities, communities, and the federal government to twice action tv
reduce global warming; and
WHEREAS, Clearwater is one of over 1,000 cities that have signed the U.S.
Mayors Climate Protection Agreement which commits cities to strive to reduce global
warming pollution in their own communities, through actions such as conducting a
greenhouse gas inventory, adopting anti-sprawl land-use policies, increased use of
alternative energy sources, increasing the fuel efficiency of municipal fleet vehicles,
urban forest restoration projects and public education campaigns; and
WHEREAS, the City is required to attain compliance with state growth
management regulations including the provisions of:
Florida House Bill 697 (2008) that requires local comprehensive plans to
include polices that address energy efficient land use patterns, greenhouse gas
reduction strategies, energy conservation and alternative energy sources; and
Florida Senate Bill 360 (2009) that provides for local comprehensive plans
to include land use and transportation strategies to support and fund mobility in
Transportation Concurrency Exception Areas, including alternative modes of
transportation, in lieu of transportation concurrency requirements; and
Resolution No. 10-20
WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Energy awarded a grant to the City to
develop an energy efficiency, conservation and mobility strategy and associated
comprehensive plan policies and land development regulations to advance the
objectives of the foregoing actions; and
WHEREAS, Clearwater Greenprint constitutes a sustainable community vision
and framework for action including short and long-range strategies and actions to
enhance mobility, increase energy efficiency and conservation, and reduce greenhouse
gas emissions citywide; and
WHEREAS, the City recognizes that sustainable environmental practices are
critical to the economic development future and long-term financial stability of
Clearwater and that it has a responsibility to the Clearwater community to be an
environmental steward and leader in promoting green practices to reduce energy use
and costs to the City; and
WHEREAS, local government actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and
increase energy efficiency provide multiple local benefits including reduced energy cost,
green space preservation and brownfield redevelopment, air and water quality
improvements, reduced traffic congestion, economic development, energy conservation
and job creation through new energy technologies; and
WHEREAS, local governments can greatly influence their communities'
greenhouse gas emissions by exercising key powers over land use, transportation,
building construction, waste management, and, in some cases, energy and water
supplies and management; and
WHEREAS, the City has a unique opportunity to provide leadership for the
greater Clearwater community to advance environmental sustainability while promoting
social equity and encouraging a vibrant economy; and
WHEREAS, the City Council is intent upon continuing its efforts to achieve
meaningful reductions in local greenhouse gas emissions; and
WHEREAS, the Clearwater Greenprint Stakeholder Steering Committee has
recommended that City Council approve the comprehensive plan amendments
recommended in Clearwater Greenprint and included in this ordinance;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF CLEARWATER, FLORIDA:
Section 1. The City Council hereby establishes the goals of reducing
Clearwater's citywide greenhouse gas emissions 10 percent below 2007 levels by 2020
and 25 percent below 2007 levels by 2035.
Section 2. Amendments 1 - 5 to the Clearwater Comprehensive Plan attached
hereto as Exhibit "A" are hereby adopted.
Section 3. This ordinance shall be published in accordance with the
requirements of law.
2 Ordinance 8247-11
Section 4. If any section, provision, clause, phrase, or application of this
Ordinance shall be declared unconstitutional or invalid for any reason by a court of
competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall be deemed severable therefrom
and shall remain in full force and effect.
Section 5. This ordinance shall become effective when the Department of
Community Affairs (DCA) issues a final order determining the adopted amendment to
be in compliance, or the Administration Commission issues a final order determining the
adopted amendments to be in compliance, in accordance with Sections 163.3177
163.3187 or 163.32465(6)(g), F.S., as amended.
PASSED ON FIRST READING
PASSED ON SECOND AND FINAL READING AND ADOPTED
Frank V. Hibbard
Mayor-Councilmember
Approved as to form: Attest:
Leslie K. Dougall-Sides Rosemarie Call
Assistant City Attorney City Clerk
3 Ordinance 8247-11
EXHIBIT A
ATTACHMENT TO ORDINANCE 8247-11
AMENDMENT 1-FUTURE LAND USE ELEMENT GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
Amend Goals, Objectives and Policies of the Plan as follows:
*****
A. FUTURE LAND USE ELEMENT
INTRODUCTION
The purpose and intent of the Future Land Use Element is to provide a framework for land use and zoning
decisions. It establishes the allowable use, intensity and density of land and provides for consistency
between land use classifications and zoning atlas districts. Additionally, this element provides for a
citywide design structure consisting of a hierarchy of places and the linkages between them to guide
future development. Since Clearwater is effectively built-out, the element provides for sustainable
redevelopment and infill development, as well as neighborhood preservation. Goals, objectives and
policies are designed to preserve and enhance community character and quality of life, e
ensure the continued economic vitality of the community and establish practices to en eg rider
environmental stewardship in the creation and use of the built environment. The City of Clearwater's
planning horizon for the Comprehensive Plan is 2018.
Future Land Use Needs Summary
The following summarizes the Future Land Use Element:
Clearwater has two (2) main natural resources, a moist, sub-tropical climate and buildable land.
Vyirh orar3~ial yariatinnc in tnnnoranhv from cea level to nna hiinrlrerj three (1(1'~l fAAt we hate
mostly well drained sandy soils with pockets of wetlands. There are natural drainage ways to
Clearwater Harbor and Tampa Bay. The virgin landscape presented relatively few obstacles to
development, and urbanization occurred rapidly throughout the 1960s and 1970s. The supply of
buildable land has been depleted. City policies will have to compensate for the scarcity of land.
• Vacant developable land in Clearwater has been reduced from approximately 1,034 acres in 1989,
to approximately 600 acres in 1996, and then further reduced to 420 in 2005. Most of these parcels
are less than one acre in size. Infill development, urban conservation, and urban renewal strategies
will continue to be prevalent in implementing Clearwater's plan.
• Medium and hi -density pedestrian-oriented development will need to be focused in areas where
there is infrastructure capacity, a mixture of uses and activities and a diversity of transportation
o ty ions.
• In order to be more sustainable and cost effective, new development and improvements to the built
environment will need to be designed to be energy efficient, include enemy efficient systems and
include opportunities for the use of renewable energy.
• In addition to energy efficiency measures in buildings, there are specific policies and strategies
within defined EnerQ;y Conservation Areas. These strate ieg s supplement the policies for land use
activity centers and redevelopment comdors and are integrated with transportation initiatives and
resource conservation measures.
• In 2005, residential was the largest category of land use within the City of Clearwater
1
Exhibit A Ordinance No. 8247-11
(approximately 7,072 acres). Commercial was the second largest category of land use within the
City (approximately 1,762 acres), followed by Recreation/Open Space (approximately 1,717 acres)
and Public/Semi Public (approximately 1,417 acres)
• Since 1989, the majority of the amendments made. to the Future Land Use Map have involved
parcels under one acre in size.
• Clearwater has 6.98 times more land devoted to open space /recreation uses such as golf courses
than industrial use (1,717 vs. 246 acres). The economic base of the City is tourism, retirement
income, retailing and services. These sectors of the economy need to be maintained and enhanced.
• Clearwater is the third largest City in the metropolitan area; it is a net importer of labor, and a focus
of shopping, health care, recreation and office employment. The transportation system must be
maintained and improved to connect the region's urban centers and support economic growth
objectives.
• Clearwater provides a full spectrum of urban public services and utilities. There are relatively few
areas of service deficiencies. The City continues to implement and address expansion of key arterial
and collector streets, drainage improvements for enhanced stormwater quality and conveyance, and
upgrading wastewater treatment levels.
• Within the Clearwater Planning Area, there is a significant amount of land located in enclaves and
unincorporated areas located along the City's boundaries. Approximately 3,700 acres of land within
the Planning Area is available for annexation.
• Clearwater's redevelopment plans will continue the evolution of amulti-faceted, multi-~edel
modal City with tourism being a major industry impacting the City's economic base.
• As of August, 2006, the City's Unsafe Structures Program has resulted in either the demolition or
full code compliance of over 1,020 structures. Due to the age of much of the City's commercial and
residential structures, this program must be continued as a means of combating urban blight and
spurring redevelopment.
• In 2007, the voters of Pinellas County approved a referendum to continue the Local Government
Infrastructure, Surtax (LGIS} or better known as the "Penny for Pinellas". The "Penny for Pinellas"
provides funding for infrastructure improvements within the City of Clearwater.
• In 2011, the City of Clearwater adopted the Clearwater Greennrint: A Community Action Plan
Sustainability. which is addressed in the Future Land Use Element and other elements of the
Comprehensive Plan.
• Clearwater has a current population of approximately 110,831 people. Seasonal residents add about
10,110 people during the winter months. The permanent population is projected to increase to
120,028 by the year 2018.
• Clearwater will continue to protect historic resources and properties through the implementation of
the City historic designation process.
• Coordination among governments, business, and civic groups continues to be necessary to
implement comprehensive plan objectives.
• The planning horizon for the City's Comprehensive Plan is 2018. This is a 10-year plan as per
Chapter 163, F.S. and 9J-5.005(4), F.A.C., following adoption of City Ordinance Number 7993-08
on December 18, 2008.
Exhibit A Ordinance No. 8247-11
GOALS OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
*~***
A.1.2 Objective -Population densities in the coastal storm areas are restricted to the maximum
density allowed by the Countywide Future Land Use Designation of the property, except for
specific areas identified in Beach by Design: A Preliminary Design for Clearwater Beach and
Design Guidelines, in which case densities identified in Beach by Design s hall govern. All
densities in the coastal storm area a~ad-shall be consistent with the Pinellas County
Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan and the Regional Hurricane Evacuation Study.
*****
Policies
A.2.2.6 The Community Development Code shall provide for safe on-site traffic
circulation and connections to adjacent arterial and collector streets consistent with
other applicable roadwa~Qn standards, policies and guidelines.
*****
A.3.2 Objective -
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expansion of~at tree canopy, and carbon sequestration and improve the overall
quality of development within the City.
Policies
A.3.2.1 A-11-aNew development or redevelopment of property
shall meet-sll the landscape and tree protection requirements of the Community
Development Code.
A.3.2.2 The City shall develop Community Development Code requirements and
incentives that result in new tree and other plantings in areas that serve as carbon
sinks for ~eenhouse ag ses.
A3.2.3 The City shall consider establishing a proga-am for designating~ublic or private
lands for carbon sinks that can be used to offset on-site landscape open s ap ce or
tree canopy requirements.
*****
Exhibit A Ordinance No. 8247-11
A.4.1 Objective -The City shall examine and upgrade the Concurrency Management a-nd
lnferie~t-system as apprepriate- needed for granting development permits. This
system shall continue to consider the current, interim, and ultimately desired levels of
Sservice for roads, transit, water, sewer,-ga~bftge solid waste collection, public school
facilities, and drainage systems and shall provide data on sub-sectors of the City in
which service deficiencies exist or in which services are adequate to serve existing and
planned new development. This level of service status will be considered and made part
of the staff recommendation at the time of zoning, site plan, or plat approval. The level
of service monitoring system shall be adjusted, at a minimum, annually to determine
adequacy of service capacity.
Should a requested development permit result in approvals which would-13u~den
degrade the level of servic ewe of a facility below the adopted-levels
standard, permission to proceed with the development will not be granted until the City
has assured that adequate services will be available or mitigation strategies in place
consistent with the Concurrence
Management System.
Policies
A.4.1.1 No new development or redevelopment will be permitted which causes the level of
City services (roads, recreation and open space, water, sewage treatment, garbage
collection, public school facilities, and drainage) to fall below minimum acceptable
levels. However, development orders may be phased or otherwise modified
consistent with provisions of the eConcurrency mManagement sSstem to allow
services to be upgraded concurrently with the impacts of development.
*****
Policies
A.5.2.8 Identify P-S:T:A: Routes: those comdors in the City of Clearwater along which the
PSTA (Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority) transit service operates.
*****
Policies
A.5.4.8 The City shall Sstudy the establishment of transportation concurrency alternatives
to support higher densities alet3g within redevelopment corridors, activity
centers, Ener~y Conservation Areas, and Energy Conservation Corridors.
*****
4
Exhibit A Ordinance No. 8247-11
Policies
A.5.6.1 Create art projects that help to shape the City's image, strengthen civic
connectivity and support neighborhood identity and raise awareness about
community sustainabilit~.
****~
Policies
A.6.1.6 Land use decisions in Clearwater shall support the expansion of economic
opportunity, the creation of jobs and training opportunities as well as the
maintenance of existing industries through establishment of enterprise zones,
activity centers, energy conservation areas and comdors and redevelopment areas
and by coordination with the Chamber of Commerce, Tourist Development
Council and other economic development organizations and agencies.
*****
Policies
A.6.5.2 On an ongoing basis, the city shall explore traffic calming techniques in the effort
to improve safety and promote a livable environment within the City's residential,
activity center, and tourist areas.
A.6.5.3 All proposed development/redevelopment initiatives shall be reviewed for
opportunities to improve pedestrian and bicycle access and consider the integration
of bicycle and pedestrian transportation modes in all phases of transportation
pla:.^„ng, new roadwa~~ des:^^ road:va~~ constr.:ct.on roadwa~- resurfac.n^ a^d
J b• ~ 1 ~ J b
other capital projects consistent with the City's Shifting Gears Bicycle and
Pedestrian Master Plan 2006. On Clearwater Beach, pedestrian and bicycle
improvements should adhere to the policies and design guidelines set forth in
Beach by Design: A Preliminary Design for Clearwater Beach and Design
Guidelines.
A.6.5.4 The City shall work with the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority and the Pinellas
County Metropolitan Planning Organization to evaluate the potential for an intra-
beach and beach to downtown transit system °~ '''°~~-~~*°~ ~°~°'- and investigate
potential funding sources.
*****
Policies
A.6.8.2 Encourage mixed-use development that includes a combination of compatible land
uses having functional interrelationships and aesthetic features. Commercial and
mixed-use buildings shall be sited to maximize pedestrian connections from the
building to adiacent streets. Buildings should be sited and parking arran eg d to
minimize the off-site impacts to residential areas
Exhibit A Ordinance No. 8247-11
A.6.8.3 Where appropriate, development shall provide a sense of pedestrian scale on
streets through minimal front setbacks, similar building heights, street trees and
proportionality of building heights to street widths.
A.6.8.4 Use native plants in landscaped areas, use xeriscaping wherever possible and
protect natural features of a developing site.
A.6.8.5 Provide easy access to residential, commercial and recreational areas by providing
direct routes such as trails and continuous sidewalks between destinations, in order
to minimize potential conflicts between pedestrians and motor vehicles.
A.6.8.6 Encourage the development of interconnected systems of natural areas, parks,
sidewalks, greenways, trails and open spaces.
A.6.8.7 Create mixed-use, higher density, livable communities through design, layout and
use of walkability techniques within existing and proposed transit corridors,
including prepesed-planned PSTA. Pinellas County MPO and TBARTA lines and
potential station locations.
A.6.8.8. Design and construct pedestrian-oriented streets to include continuous tree-lined
sidewalks buffered from traffic by on-street parking and/or landscaping and that
include pedestrian amenities such as benches, trash receptacles, bus shelters and
lighting.
A.6.8.9 Promote a variety of transportation modes such as walking, bicycling, ride sharing
and mass transit to increase transportation choices and decrease dependence on
the single-occupancy automobile.
.. ,
. [relocated under Goal A.8J
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A.6.~A9Objective -Create energy-efficient transit oriented development where residents,
visitors and tourists can travel to a variety of places without using a personal vehicle,
provide direction for transit-supportive development and redevelopment in transit
stations areas that makes it convenient for people to walk and use transit, and
incorporate the land use and economic development criteria outlined in the Federal
Transit Administration New Starts Planning and Development Process.
Policies
A.6.~A9.1 Plan for transit oriented development around transit stations that are part of a rail or
fixed guideway system as established in the Pinellas County Metropolitan Planning
Organization Long-Range Transportation Plan. Transit station locations and
typologies will be determined at the conclusion of the Pinellas Alternatives
Analysis through amulti-agency joint planning process.
6
Exhibit A Ordinance No. 8247-11
A.6.4-A9.2 When the location of fixed-guideway transit stations and station typologies have
been determined through the process described in A.6.10.1, an amendment to the
Future Land Use Map will be processed by the City to delineate the transit station
area and apply the appropriate Transit Oriented Development category pursuant
Policy A.2.2.1 and adopt transit station azea plans after consideration of input from
a community involvement process. A station azea will generally comprise the area
within a % mile radius (easy walking distance) of the transit station.
A.6.~99.3 If a transit station area encompasses more than one jurisdiction, the city will
coordinate with the other affected jurisdiction(s) in determining the station area
boundary and developing the transit station area plan.
A.6.4-A9.4 Each transit station azea plan must include existing conditions, neighborhood
context, station azea types, redevelopment vision, concept plan, market research
and development projections, land use recommendations, zoning requirements,
building design standards, site development standards, street cross sections,
streetscape development standards, pedestrian and bicycle access plans, public
infrastructure improvements, wayfmding plan, public realm and open space plan,
parking plan and implementation plan.
A.6.4-A9.5 Where a transit station area coincides with the area governed by Clearwater
Downtown Redevelopment Plan (Downtown Plan), the development of the Transit
Station Area Plan will be closely coordinated with and, potentially, integrated into
the Downtown Plan to ensure consistency in approach and implementation
strategies. Amendments to the Downtown Plan may be required to ensure that the
specific target intensities related to the transit station typologies will be
accommodated.
A.6.~-A9.6 An appropriate ratio of residential and non-residential land uses in the transit
station area is critical to achieving a desirable jobs to housing balance. The
foiiowing la[iu use targets siiaii guide future deveiopineiit within transit siaiioii
areas:
a. Transit Station Area Type I: 20% Residential, 80% Nonresidential
b. Transit Station Area Type II: 50% Residential, 50% Nonresidential
c. Transit Station Area Type III: 80% Residential, 20% Nonresidential
d. Transit Station Area Type N: 60% Residential, 40% Nonresidential
A.6.4-99.7 Where a transit station azea coincides with the Coastal Storm Area, population
densities aze restricted to the maximum density allowed by the Future Land Use
Map, except for specific areas identified in Beach by Design: A Preliminary
Design for Clearwater Beach and Design Guidelines, in which case densities
identified in Beach by Design shall govern. All densities in the coastal storm azea
and shall be consistent with the Pinellas County Comprehensive Emergency
Management Plan and the Regional Hurricane Evacuation Study.
A.6.~99.8 Optimize the potential of transit oriented development to support transit
investments and create livable and sustainable urban communities by adhering to
the following guiding principles in the planning, design, and development of transit
station area plans:
~~***
Exhibit A Ordinance No. 8247-11
A.8 GOAL - TO INTEGRATE LAND USE, TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS, AND BUILDING
TECHNOLOGIES TO INCREASE ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND REDUCE GREENHOUSE
GAS EMISSIONS.
A.8.1 Objective -Establish Ener~v Conservation Areas and Ener~y Conservation Corridors
on the Future Land Use Man and develop guidance and standards for retrofitting
existing, energy inefficient land use patterns and transportation svstems to increase
energy efficiency and conserve energy resources.
Policies
A.8.1.1 Energy Conservation Areas are depicted on Map A-15 and include Clearwater
Beach, Downtown, the North Greenwood azea the Hercules industrial area
Morton Plant Hospital azea, Countryside Mall area and Clearwater Mall area.
A.8.1.2 Energy Conservation Corridors are depicted on Map A-15 and include the area
within one-quarter mile of Drew Street from N. Highland Avenue to S. Ba__ s
Boulevard; Gulf to Bay Boulevard from N. Highland Avenue to S. Bavshore
Boulevard; and S. Missouri Avenue from Court Street to Wyatt Street.
A.8.1.3 The City shall create zoning overlay districts or special area plans for Energy
Conservation Areas and Energy Conservation Corridors that set forth standards
and incentives for energy-efficient design of future redevelopment projects and
supporting infrastructure. Such standards and incentives may include:
a. Expedited permitting for LEED certified (or similar enemy efficient, rating
system) construction and development;
b. Modified parking and pavement construction material standards and other
low impact development principles;
c. Solar access or other renewable energy access•
d. Electric power generation and transmission systems including alternative
energy facilities, such as small scale solar photovoltaic s std
e. Landscape and vegetative preservation and/or enhancement to increase
carbon sequestration and reduce hazdscape heat ains•
£ Clustering to preserve valuable natural systems•
~ Transit, bicycle and pedestrian-oriented site design that facilitates inte rag tion
of land use and transportation;
h. Multi-modal transit facilities such as transit stations/stops bicycle lanes/paths
and bus lanes;
i. Charging_facilities for alternative energy vehicles•
1 Transportation concurrent exception azea(s)•
k. Transit-oriented development patterns (e adequate densities mix of uses
connectivity, maximum parking standards etc.) to effectively support a
multi-modal transportation s, sy tem;
1. Mixed use development that promotes internal trip capture by linking_jobs
housing, and services;
m. Increased density and intensity on large scale development projects where
three or more land uses are programmed•
n. Creating a densi /intensity pool that can be accessed to increase the
density/intensity for energy efficient development projects• and
o. Other energy efficient design and development practices
Exhibit A Ordinance No. 8247-1 l
A.8.1.4 The City shall develop energy efficient site development building design building
systems and transportation infrastructure guidelines for Energy Conservation Areas
and Energy Conservation Corridors.
A.8.2 Objective -Facilitate the retrofitting of existing neighborhoods. commercial and
industrial areas citywide to decrease ener~y consumption, increase the ratio of
renewable ener~y use, and minimize impact of the built environment on the natural
environment.
Policies
A.8.2._1_ _Maintain the City's Green Local Government Certification from the Florida Green
Building Coalition.
A.8.2.2 Support the construction or renovation of buildings consistent with the U.S. Green
Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEEDS
principles or Florida Green Building Coalition Green Development Desi ation
Standard.
A.8.2.3 In coordination with the appropriate public and private utilityproviders establish
standards that address the location, design, and use of localized electric power
generation for residential, commercial and industrial land uses.
A.8.2.4 Explore the feasibility of certification of qualifying neighborhoods under the U.S.
Green Building Council LEED for Neighborhood Development program which
recogpizes the integration of smart locations neighborhood design and resource
efficient infrastructure and buildings.
A.8.2.5 Encourage land use patterns that by location, scale, and design minimize lopg term
energy commitments to construction, operation, maintenance and replacement.
A.8.3 Objective - Remove barriers to the siting and operation of urban agricultural uses and
community gardens to increase the availability of locally-produced fresh foods.
Policies
A.8.3.1 The City shall assess the viability of urban agricultural uses such as community
gardens community-supported agriculture agricultural production through home
owners associations food bearing_plants and trees on public property and ri is-of-
wa ~Lh~ponics and ayuaponics.
A.8.3.2 Agricultural uses shall be allowable in the Residential Estate Residential
Suburban, Residential Low and Residential Urban Future Land Use Map
categories and communitygardens shall be allowable in all Future Land Use Map
categories, as regulated in the Communi Development Code.
*~***
Exhibit A Ordinance No. 8247-11
AMENDMENT 2 -FUTURE LAND USE MAP SERIES
Amend the Future Land Use Map Series to include a New Map A-16 as follows:
~*~**
10
Exhibit A Ordinance No. 8247-11
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Exhibit A Ordinance No. 8247-11
AMENDMENT 3 -TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
Amend Goals, Objectives and Policies of the Plan as follows:
~~***
B. TRANSPORTATION ELEMENT
The purpose of the Transportation Element is to plan for amulti-modal transportation system in Clearwater
which includes public transit, bicycling, walking, air travel, rail facilities, vehicular traffic and parking
facilities, establish intermodal connections and support the Future Land Use Element.
Transportation Needs Summary
The following summarizes Clearwater's transportation needs:
Traffic Circulation
• Multi-modal transportation improvements to Clearwater Beach should continue to be planned
and/e~-utilized and implemented to alleviate traffic congestion and parking dern-a~sneeds on tie
Memorial Causeway and the beach.
• Access management to improve traffic flow, particularly on congested links, will continue to be
an important issue in the development review rp ocess,
IinIES.
• The-~a€f~e concurre~lncy mana ement system will continue to monitor vehicle trips on-tl3e
.7„ ,n4um ar'wrlai alld VVlIe VtVr Jtr eetJ.
• Belleair Road (CR462) and Clearwater Memorial Causeway (SR60) are physically and{eF
environmentally constrained and will continue to operate below the acceptable levels-of-service
standard.
• The City will continue to work with Florida Department of Transportation (FOOT), the Pinellas
Coun Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation
Authority (TBARTA), Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) and other agencies to promote
transportation alternatives and demand management.
• Recent and proposed FOOT improvements including new overpasses, frontage roads, and limited
access to U.S. 19 are alleviating prior capacity issues that were due to both local traffic from
adjacent development and regional movement, the control of which was beyond Clearwater's
jurisdiction.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities
• The Ci completed the Shi ting Gears: Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan in 2006 identifying
needs and priorities for sidewalks, bicycle and pedestrian facilities and trails and level of service
designations for sidewalks and bicycle facilities.
12
Exhibit A Ordinance No. 8247-11
• There is an ongoing need to complete and improve the pedestrian and bicycle network to
facilitate daily travel.
• The City will continue to work with the Pinellas County MPO, FDOT Pinellas County and other
agencies that implement transportation projects to implement Pedestrian and bicycle facility
needs as larger projects are planned, designed and implemented.
Mass Transit
• Mass transit service is provided by the system of buses operated by *'~~ ~:..,,"~~ c,,.,,.,,,,~. -r..,.....:.
~?~EPSTAj. All arterial and collector streets in the City are now served by PSTA.
• Fixed route service is generally adequate to provide service to low income and areas of elderly
concentration. Seniors and wed-paratransit transportation is supplemented by dial-
a-ride service.
• Mass transit service is operated by a countywide agency subsidized by State and Federal funds
and ~4ad Vv_alorem taxes.
• Mass transit provisions should be included in future road expansions to allow for more efficient
commuter patterns and local travel o tions.
• The City will continue to work with the PSTA, Pinellas County MPO, TBARTA, and other
agencies to promote the use of mass transit and address needs as identified in the long range mass
transit plans.
• The City will emyhasize the need for transit headway and span of service improvements in
Enemy Conservation Areas and Corridors as defined in the Future Land Use Element.
*•***
GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND POLICIES
B.1 GOAL - TO PROVIDE FOR THE SAFE, CONVENIENT AND EFFICIENT DELIVERY
OF PEOPLE AND GOODS BY A MULTIMODAL TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM.
B.1.1 Objective -Every expansion or extension of arterial and collector streets shall be
constructed consistent with FDOT engineering
standards and utilize the flexibility provided to design and implement Complete
Streets. F~Y~e--1Et?~f9ite~R@$t9~9--iarcQFf'Rl-aao-c9iiccio~roireCt9~~-~eltrdc~acrc
Policies
B.1.1.1 The City shall continue to administer access management and right-of--way
requirements through the Community Development Code.
13
Exhibit A Ordinance No. 8247-11
B.1.1.2 The City shall emphasize projects that improve intersection operations such as turn
lanes and roundabouts, while ensuring the safety of non-motorized users through
si ial operations, sigri~geometric design
B.1.1.~3 T he City will promote
the implementation of sidewalk bic c~le pedestrian and trail
facility projects in accordance with the City's Shying Gears: Bicycle and
Pedestrian Master Plan to ensure the physical safety comfort and convenience of
non-motorized transportation users.
B.1.1.4 The City shall work with PSTA and other implementing agencies to coordinate the
need for transit infrastructure and roadway desi~ standards that improve the
functionality and convenience of transit in the roadway network
****~
Policies
B.1.3.1 Requests for amendment to the Future Land Use Map will 13aveinclude an analysis
of traffic impacts and infrastructure needs in the adjacent sidewalk bicycle facility
and trails network.
B.1.3.2 The ~ C-concurrency Mmanagement System will continue to
monitor roadways''-level-of-service-{b9~ consistent with specific procedures
and requirements in the Community Development Code, to issue and track
certificates of concurrency/capacity, along with required traffic impact studies
and mitigation strategies for any development which may degrade the acceptable
level of service of an affected transportation facility, and required documentation
of the 11U"% de minimis transportation impact threshold as per 1(i3.318U, F.S.
****~
B.1.4 Objective - Consider the existing and planned ~ASlevel of
service of the transuortation network affected by a proposed development, when
considering an amendment to the Future Il.and ~tUse Map, Zonin Atlas, or
approved subdivision plat; or site plan-approval.
Policies
B.1.4.1 The City shall continue to review trips generated by development projects through
theme Econcurrency 1~4rllanagement~ system. The City shall develop
trip reduction credits for Energy Conservation Areas and EnerQV Conservation
Corridors based on the availabilit ~ and roximity of transit and the level of service
of the adjacent bicycle and pedestrian facility network
B.1.4.2 For those roads which are not currently operating at an acceptable level of
service, or which do not have programmed improvements to upgrade service to an
acceptable level, the concurrency management system shall be used to monitor
traffic growth, with the dual intent of maintaining average operating speeds and
restricting the aggregate and individual trips generated by development in the City
limits.
14
Exhibit A Ordinance No. 8247-11
B.1.4.3 The concurrency management system shall address thresholds in applying the
standards for determining concurrency, and shall consider mitigation of impacts
and alternative means to maintain acceptable traffic flows, access to transit and
pedestrian and bicycle level of service as alternatives to denying a development
permit or other approval.
B.1.4.4 The concurrent m~ana_gement system will be updated to
include transportation concurrency alternatives, such as
' ,multimodal facility or level of service standards for
downtown, Clearwater Beach and/or other potential redevelopment areas, er
activity centers, Energy Conservation Areas, or Energy Conservation Corridors, to
incorporate community design features that reduce the need for vehicular us_e$ge
while supporting an integrated multimodal transportation system of sidewalks,
transit service and bicycle facilities.
B.1.4.5 If a~ °'*~-~~+~-~° *~ transportation concurrency alternative is heifrg considered for
an a~ ~t:,~ +~u;,.~'+^ .,..* ..ai,. .:, r .• area that
.~i5++ vYuivuc
the-£tatewould impact US Hi hway 19, a Strategic Intermodal System facility, ~
~''°'~l-o~the Ci _ will coordinated with the FDOT and tl3e-Department of
Community Affairs {~~ to ensure appropriate
measures are taken to meet FDOT level-of-service standards and maintain the
operational effectiveness of the local network in the US Highway 19 corridor.
B.1.4.6 If not approved under special district or multimodal level of service standards
when a development results in traffic generation volumes causing a degradation
of service below D in the pm peak hour, the City shall require transportation
facilities to be in place or under actual construction within-~ three years after
;ssuancc of a building }.e.;r,.t, ,r. accorda:+ce :.',th the C.+y~'s Propoi tionaie Fa:.~
Share Program.
B.1.4.7 The City shall cooperate with the Pinellas County N1P0 to ensure consistency
between eComprehensive pPlan amendments and the Pinellas Coun MPO 2035
Long Range Transportation Plan ~T °t~~~';'D`~'~~.
B.1.4.8 In creating special district or multimodal level of service standards the City will
aspire to achieve level of service C for bi~cle and pedestrian facilities identified in
the ShifrinQ Gears: Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan using methodologies
adopted by the FDOT.
B.1.5 Objective -All County roadways in Clearwater, except those identified as backlogged or
constrained by the Pinellas County MPO, shall operate at
lean acceptable level of service.
Policies
B.1.5.1 Unless otherwise established in the Comprehensive Plan t~acceptable peak-hour
Llevels_-of -service for arterial and collector streets as listed in the current Pinellas
Coun MPr'..,Tc~tr~eat-`Level-of-Service Inventory Report'-' are the desired
minimum levels of service.
15
Exhibit A Ordinance No. 8247-11
B.1.5.2 The City shall provide the Pinellas County MPO with available up-to-date traffic
data, such as signal timings and traffic counts to assist with level-of-service
monitoring and development of the Pinellas County MPO~-Long Range
Transportation Plan.
B.1.5.3 Due to unique conditions of the natural and built environments, and/or seasonal
traffic demand, Belleair Road and Clearwater Memorial Causeway shall be
considered environmentally constrained facilities.
B.1.5.4 The City shall ensure that eComprehensive pPlan amendments are consistent with
the FDOT~ statewide minimum levels of
service standards for roadway facilities.
B.1.5.5 The City shall continue to participate with the Pinellas County MPO andsthe
MPO Technical Coordinating Committee {~}to ensure that the level of service
standard for US u;19, a Strategic Intermodal System (-~~facility is
consistent with the FDOT,~ level of service standard desigt~atiex-e€-l~ for this
road.
B.1.5.6 Recognize the level of service standard of C average daily/D peak hour and
volume/capacity ratio of 0.9 on roads under county jurisdiction, in accordance with
the Pinellas County MPO-s countywide concurrency management standards.
B.1.5.7 Regulated roadways within the downtown and Clearwater Beach Energy
Conservation Areas and Gulf to Bav Boulevard (SR 60) from Highland Avenue to
US 19 shall have a LOS standard of D avera e daily and E peak hour
B.1.6 Objective -The City shall monitor seasonal traffic on Clearwater Beach and explore
metueds to address any i~„s~~es identsfed.
Policies
B.1.6.1 The City shall evaluate the feasibility of t~transportation improvements on
Clearwater Beach and for access to Clearwater Beach, as well as investigate
funding sources for such improvements.
B.1.7 Objective -The natural, recreational, scenic, historic, and cultural resources of the
Courtney Campbell Causeway shall be preserved and enhanced for the City of
Clearwater residents.
Policies
B.1.7.1 The City shall support the mission and goals, objectives and strategies of the
Courtney Campbell Causeway Florida Scenic Highway designation as approved
by the City Council on July 15, 2004, for the causeway located between
McMullen Booth Road and Veteran's Highway as shown on Citywide Design
Structure Map A-14 in the Future Land Use Element.
B.1.7.2 The City shall support efforts to retain the current physical cross sectional character
of the causeway reminiscent of its historic origin.
16
Exhibit A Ordinance No. 8247-11
B.1.7.3 The City shall participate in efforts to maintain the natural environment by
supporting acoastal-style, native Florida landscape and promoting community
partnerships to control litter on the causeway.
B.1.7.4 The City shall support FDOT~ pedestrian, bicycle and transportation initiatives
for the causeway including safety enhancements.
B.1.7.5 The City shall continue to participate with the Corridor Management Entity
(~A4~}as an ongoing and effective sponsor and advocate for the Scenic Highway
designation process and implementation of improvements.
B.1.7.6 The City shall continue to cooperate with intergovernmental coordination efforts
as one of the four governmental entities that include City of Clearwater, Pinellas
County, City of Tampa and Hillsborough County
B.1.7.7 The City shall participate in the education program efforts for promoting the
location and features of the causeway
B.1.7.8 The City shall participate in the maintenance and enhancements of the
recreational opportunities along the causeway and in establishing the Causeway
as a tourist point of interest.
B.1.7.9 The City shall cooperate with FDOT~ enhancement efforts to improve the visual
appearance of the causeway.
B.2. GOAL -THE RESOURCES OF ALL RESPONSIBLE JURISDICTIONS SHALL BE
DIItECTED TOWARD IlVIPROVEMENT OF ROAD LINKS TO DESII2ED LEVEL OF
SERVICE STANDARDS.
B.2.1 Objective -Roadway improvements to obtain desired Llevels of Sservice must be
included in State, County, and City capital budgets. The City shall actively participate,
on a continuing basis, with both the staff and elected official support, in the preparation,
adoption and implementation of transportation plans and expenditure programs of the
Pinellas County M:P:O:, P:S:T:A:, Board of County Commissioners, and the F:D:O:T.
Policies
B.2.1.1 The City shall review and comment on the proposed capital improvement
programs and provide input to the adopting agencies relative to consistency with
~~the Comprehensive Plan.
B.2.2 Objective -Proposed developments accessing back logged roadways operating at -a
I1ASlevel of service lower than E, shall be subject to additional service enhancement
proposals, which may include ride-sharing, access control, signal optimization, transit
accessibility, and staggered work hours, to maintain and improve the roadways'
average peak hour operating speeds at the time of plan adoption:
A) Site design shall provide a stacking lane or lanes to permit vehicles to wait on-site
and enter the traffic flow when gaps occur.
B) Site design shall provide a deceleration lane or lanes to enter the site without
impeding the traffic flow.
17
Exhibit A Ordinance No. 8247-11
C) No new traffic signals that will reduce peak hour travel speeds will be permitted,
unless a high accident rate exists or it is necessary for the public safety in the
opinion of the City Traffic Ouerations Division staff.
D) New or revised median openings will only be permitted where they do not impede
free flow of traffic.
E) Additional service enhancements, as appropriate.
Policies
B.2.2.1 The City shall require as a condition of permit approval, new development and
redevelopment projects adjacent to state roads to obtain FDOT permits as required.
B.2.2.2 Access points to collector and arterial streets from all development should be
limited to one (~-major access point or curb cut along each roadway frontage;
additional access and egress points may be granted for unusually large parcels,
based on site characteristics or as considered appropriate by the Traffic Engineer
and approving agencies, to provide for safe and efficient site-related traffic
movements on adjacent street.
B.2.2.3 As a condition of site plan or subdivision plat approval for development or
redevelopment, the access or egress points, or approved cross access easements_to
major collector or arterial streets may be relocated, restricted or otherwise
controlled to facilitate traffic flow along the adjacent thoroughfare.
B.2.2.4 Out-parcels, created in previously approved developments, shall have no inherent
right ~f direct ar'~es$ t~ mains collector ~r arte.^.al ,~,tSeetw '.'.nleSs .~,'.:.rl: a.~..reS$ :,~, u}:e
J"
only access available to the property. New out-parcels may be denied direct
access to arterial or collector streets, unless approved by Fla~D-0:T- when the
development abuts a State road.
B.2.2.5 Where appropriate, primary access on backlogged streets should be directed to
adjacent non-residential collector streets, with limited secondary access to adjacent
arterials.
B.2.3 Objective -The-Ci±y c:' C;cw::::t.,r 'ten ',~„-F=nnually update the City's Transportation
Improvement Program to include projects that increase the capacity of roadways, and
provide input-ia for the update of the Pinellas County
'~-'° ' MPO) Transportation Improvement Program {~}-involving
County and State roads. The following transportation improvement projects that will
enhance road capacity are scheduled for construction within City, County and State
work programs for FY2008/09-2012/13:
• Sunset Point Road US 19A to Keene Road County
Summary: Construct to a 21ane divided urban arterial roadway
McMullen Booth Road at Drew Street County
Summary: Construct southbound right turn lane and extend left turn lanes
18
Exhibit A Ordinance No. 8247-11
• McMullen Booth Road at Enterprise Road County
Summary: Construct northbound to eastbound right turn lane and receiving lane
• US Highway 19 From: N of Whitney Rd. to S of Seville Blvd. State
Summary: Construct northbound to eastbound right turn lane and receiving lane
• US Highway 19 From: S of Seville Blvd. to N of SR 60 State
Summary: Reconstruct US 19 w/Frontage Rd., Seville Interchange
Policies
B.2.3.1 Road improvements which are currently programmed for construction should be
continued in the Capital Improvement Element of the jurisdiction having
operational responsibility for those roads.
B.2.3.2 When designing roadway improvements, the City will consider incorporating
pedestrian and bicycle facilities if physically and financially feasible.
B.2.4 Objective - 3'h _ctively encourage the expenditure of funds by the Fleiida
FDOT and the Pinellas County Board of County
Commissioners to alleviate the most severe traffic congestion problems in support of
desired levels of service.
Policies
B.2.4.1 The City shall direct its input on the Pinellas County Metropolitan Planning
Organization to further the alleviation of the most severe congestion problems
before less severe problems are programmed for improvement.
B.2 ~ L'b~c~ivc - T~"' ~''" "i"'" air cit-~i3-vwa cxp2udiiiircS tvii'ar daiic'r'iauiig--rim--iiroa`s
severe traffic congestion-problems_and transportation network deficiencies, providing
continuity in facilities. roadway lane arrangements, and providing for economic
development and redevelopment needs.
Policies
B.2.5.1 The City shall incorporate the recommendations of es~ Project
Development and Environment Sstudies, as accepted by the Florida
Department of Transportation, into the
ly3einei~tComprehensive Plan, as these findings affect future alignments and lane
arrangements of State highways.
B.2.5.2 The City mission, vision and/or initiatives will continue to include transportation
improvements as articulated in the annual budget document.
B.2.6 Objective - Preserve and protect existing and future transportation
corridors by administering Article 3 of the 16s~adCommunity Development Code,
Division 9, General Applicability Standards which incorporate FDOT~ Standard
Specifications and Roadway and Traffic and Design Standards and the ~
Subdivision Ordinance that identifyies building setbacks to protect rights-of--way in
accordance with the Pinellas County Future Rights-of--Way map.
19
Exhibit A Ordinance No. 8247-11
Policies
B.2.6.1 The City shall protect existing and future transportation corridors by implementing
the requirements of the subdivision ordinance, including mandatory dedication of
rights-of--way, where required, as a condition of plat approval.
B.2.6.2 The City shall require developer dedication of rights-of--way for all new
development or redevelopment projects in the City where necessary.
B.2.6.3 The City shall review all site plans and subdivision plats with consideration of
future right-of--way needs, and shall require the preservation and advance
acquisition of right-of--way prior to or concurrent with land development to the
maximum extent feasible.
B.3 GOAL -THE CITY SHALL SUPPORT THE EFFORTS OF MASS TRANSIT SERVICE
OPERATORS TO PROVIDE GENERALIZED AND SPECIAL MASS TRANSIT SERVICES.
B.3.1 Objective -Existing and future major trip generators should be provided with fixed
route or para-transit service when possible_
Policies
B.3.1.1 Clearwater supports adequate funding for the '
EPSTAj to provide fixed route and demand-responsive transit service to increase
the mobility of the transit service population.
L./.2 OVja.vtl~e - T"2 II{-L1T L-~f r'~~ ~`~ ~~~„ ~En~.V YI AgI. aVd pl oll~Vte LIaJJ t~au.°iit ~~ith
appropriate land use, zoning and land development policies.
Policies
B.3.2.1 rThe Ci shall allow the establishment of park-and-ride lots, and smaller
outlying transit terminals where appropriate, to support the operation of the main
P-S:T:A: terminal in downtown.
B.3.2.2 Clearwater shall coordinate planning efforts, where applicable, for future rail
transit and high-speed rail in Hillsborough and Pinellas Ecounties.
B.3.2.3 The City will encourage the development of water mass transit service between
the mainland and beach destinations.
B.4 GOAL - CONTINUE TO ACTIVELY SUPPORT AND PARTICIPATE
IN PSTA, THE HlE~'F-PRIMARY TRANSIT SERVICE PROVIDER IN THE CITY
B.4.1 Objective -The City shall require that large scale developments (greater than fifty [50]
dwelling units or 20,000 square feet of non-residential building)
locate within
1,000 feet of an existing bus route;, iIf transit service is not presently
available,-the PSTA shall be petitioned to provide service.
20
Exhibit A Ordinance No. 8247-11
Policies
B.4.1.1 Whenever possible, community serving facilities and public offices should be
located within ene~i-ie~1,000~ feet of an existing bus route.
B.4.1.2 The City adopts end-{1,000 feet as the desired level of service standard
for transit service to be applied as the minimum for ell-major generators and
attractors, large scale developments, and e~~r--~--census tracts with a
concentration of elderly, handicapped, low income or non-automobile owning
households.
B.4.2 Objective Coordinate with the Pinellas County MPO-i~
ee~g-~l~e for the plannjng and implementation of
major rail and bus transit investments,
Policies
B.4.2.1 The City shall ensure that the proposed fixed_auideway comdors pl~r~3e
in the Pinellas County MPO
2035 Long Ran e Transportation Plan and TBARTA Master Plan are protected
from encroachment, where possible.
B.4.2.2 Acquisition of future mass transit corridors and exclusive right-of--way should be
considered eligible expenditures for use of transportation impact fees and for right-
of-way f-or construction at the time of site plan or plat approval, once the corridors
have been included in adopted corridor and right-of--way designation maps or have
been approved for Preliminary Engineering by the Federal Transit Administration.
B.4.2.3 Due to the constraints of development and available land, mass transit service shall
be urged-planned so as to provide recreation and -employee access to
Clearwater Beach and Sand Key.
B.4.2.4 ~4 The City will continue to support beach trolley s~ex3service _~ ~~,.,.,,..~a~a *_=
eper-ate to reduce automobile trips on Clearwater Beach.
B.4.3 Objective - , ' Coordinatieae with PSTA, to develop model
designs for transit shelters and benches to be integrated into new and existing
development.
Policies
B.4.3.1 Developers shall be encouraged to incorporate model transit stops with new
development where appropriate.
B.4.3.2 Where appropriate, the City shall support the placement and/or improvements of
the local transit service terminal in the downtown.
B.4.4 Objective -The City shall participate and cooperate with agencies and committees to
promote the use of mass transit.
21
Exhibit A Ordinance No. 8247-11
Policies
B.4.4.1 Clearwater shall coordinate with PSTA and the Pinellas County MPO in the
evelopment of the liiateTen-Year Transit Development
1?reg~Plan to address transit needs consistent with adopted level-of-service
standards, Future Land Use Element policies and transit planning guidelines.
B.4.4.2 Clearwater will cooperate with PSTA and the Pinellas County MPO to improve the
transit system to coincide with the improvements detailed in the ~~°~~ ~n,n .,~a
20=s Lc ~g Pte.==~° "~°~~ -r_....~:* D'°~~adopted Transit. Development Plan, Long
Ran eg Transportation Plan and TBARTA Master Plan.
B.4.4.3 The City shall continue to participate on the board of PSTA and by other
appropriate intergovernmental coordination mechanisms to assist the Pinellas
County MPO and t~PSTA in implementing the-countywide plans for mass
transit-plate.
B.4.4.4 As initiatives are proposed to be adopted by the Pinellas County MPO, PSTA,
FDOT, ands TBARTA, the City shall support transportation commuter
alternatives and funding strate ies where appropriate.
B.4.4.5 The City will coordinate with PSTA and other a eg ncies on locating
routes and feeder lines as well as locations for park and ride lots.
*****
22
Exhibit A Ordinance No. 8247-11
AMENDMENT 4 -HOUSING ELEMENT GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
Amend Goals, Objectives and Policies of the Plan as follows:
*~***
C. HOUSING ELEMENT
Introduction
The purpose of the Housing Element is to provide guidance to the City to develop appropriate plans and
polices to meet identified or projected deficits in the supply of housing for the different economic sectors
and needs in the community. The intent is to address the City's activities as well as to provide direction and
assistance to the efforts of the private sector.
The housing element consists of standards, plans, and principles to be followed in:
• The provision of housing for all current and anticipated future residents of the city,
• The elimination of substandard dwelling conditions,
• The structural and aesthetic improvement of existing housing,
• The provision of adequate sites for future housing, including affordable housing, group home
facilities, residential shelters, foster care facilities, transitional and permanent supportive housing,
• The provision for relocation of housing and identification of historically significant and other
housing for purposes of conservation, rehabilitation, or replacement,
• The reduction of greenhouse gas emissions through greater efficiency in housing renovation and
new construction.
• The formulation of housing implementation programs, and
• A plan for ensuring affordable workforce housing that would, at a minimum, identify adequate sites
for such housing.
Housing Needs Summary
The following summarizes the Housing Element:
*~***
Nearly 30 percent of the City's 2007 greenhouse gas emissions were from residential buildings
In order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from this sector City~olicies must require more
efficient site design and building standards.
*****
23
Exhibit A Ordinance No. 8247-11
GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND POLICIES
C.1 GOAL - AN AFFORDABLE VARIETY OF ENERGY EFFICIENT STANDARD
HOUSING UNITS IN DECENT AND SAFE NEIGHBORHOODS, AND IN PROXIIVIITY
TO EMPLOYMENT AND COMERCIAL SERVICES. TO MEET THE NEEDS OF
CURRENT AND FUTURE RESIDENTS REGARDLESS OF RACE, NATIONALITY,
AGE, MARITAL STATUS, HANDICAP OR-~LIGIOP~
C.1.1 Objective for Adequate Housing -Assure an adequate supply of housing in Clearwater
by providing for additional new dwelling units in a variety of types, costs, and locations
to meet the needs of the residents of the City of Clearwater.
Policies
C.1.1.1 Maintain sufficient residentially zoned acreage, of varying densities and_locations,
to accommodate the existing and future housing needs of the City of Clearwater.
C.1.1.2 Residential Infill Projects, as defined in the Community Development Code, shall
be utilized in order to accommodate innovative project designs, which provide for
a mix of dwelling types at varying costs and which may include those designed to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase energy efficiency. Opportunities
and conditions for the provision of accessory d welling units (ADUs) may be
considered for inclusion within infill development and redevelopment projects,
provided that strict compliance standards be established within the Community
Development Code.
r.l ,1, 2 Thrpi~ah annli~atinn of t}ie ('nn~iirrenry Mn~naabement Qe~ti~n of the ('nmm~inity
a-- rr--
Development Code, the City of Clearwater shall assure sufficient utility capacity,
including throueh the use of alternative and renewable enerQV sources (e g solar
wind to accommodate an adequate supply of housing.
*****
C.1.2 Objective for Affordable Housing -The City of Clearwater shall continue to provide
assistance and incentives for the development of housing that is affordable to very low,
low, and moderate income households, including those with special needs, consistent
with the level of growth in these income categories.
Policies
C.1.2.1 Continue to utilize Community Development Block Grant funds for the
construction and/or rehabilitation of housing units that will be affordable to very
low and low-income, households consistent with Federal income guidelines.
C.1.2.2 The City shall support the continuation of the Clearwater Housing Authority's
programs for affordable housing opportunities, including its rental subsidy program
and public housing units.
24
Exhibit A Ordinance No. 8247-11
C.1.2.3 Continue to review new construction techniques, materials, building codes, and
housing codes in order to determine where housing costs can be reduced without
sacrificing the quality or ener~y efficiency of housing for very low and low income
households.
C.1.2.4 The City shall continue to support the addition of rental housing as needed to meet
the needs of very low, low, and moderate income households.
C.1.2.5 Define Affordable Housing as any residential dwelling unit leased or owned by a
household with a household income of one hundred twenty percent (120%) or
less of the adjusted area median family income for Pinellas County, Florida, as
determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
The rental rates for leased Workforce Affordable Housing Units shall not exceed
the rates published by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation for annual
"Maximum Rents by Number of Bedroom Unit" for the Tampa-St. Petersburg-
Clearwater Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). For non-rental units, the sales
price may not exceed ninety percent (90%) of the average area price for the
Tampa- St. Petersburg-Clearwater MSA, as established by the annual revenue
procedure which provides issuers of qualified mortgage bonds, as defined in
Section 143(a) of the internal Revenue Code, and issuers of mortgage credit
certificates, as defined in Section 25(c) of the Internal Revenue Code, with the
nationwide average purchase price for the residences located in the United States.
C.1.2.6 The City shall identify vacant and underutilized city-owned property that may be
deemed surplus property and make it available for the development of affordable
housing. Preference will be given to projects that use sustainable development
practices to both increase the supkly of affordable housing and reduce
greenhouse gas emissions.
C.1.2.7 The City shall work with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development, the Florida Housing Finance Corporation and local government
bodies to protect dedicated affordable housing revenues, as provided by the
Economic Development & Housing Department's 2005 - 2010 Consolidated
Planning Document, the Sadowski Act, and Federal, State and Local Government
Housing Trust Funds.
*****
C.1.4 Objective for Adequate Sites for Very Low, Low and Moderate Income Households -
Continue to provide zoning and land use regulations that allow for the development and
redevelopment of affordable housing in stable neighborhoods including those in
proximity to employment and commercial services.
Policies
*****
C.1.6.6 Improve community services and facilities as appropriate in target revitalization
areas, includine the installation of energy efficient infrastructure and utility systems
needed to reduce resource consu~tion.
***~*
25
Exhibit A Ordinance No. 8247-11
C.1.8 Objective for Housing Implementation Programs -the Clearwater Neighborhood and
Affordable Housing Advisory Board (NAHAB), which includes representatives from
organizations directly and indirectly involved in affordable housing, will serve as a
standing committee on housing related issues and will review, monitor, and evaluate
City policies, procedures, and programs directed to improving the physical
environment and li€estylewell-being of low to moderate income residents and will make
recommendations to the City Manager and City Council.
~****
C.1.9 Objective for Housing Incentives -The City of Clearwater shall be proactive in
incentivizing the construction of energy efficient affordable housing.
Policies
C.1.9.1 The City will provide density bonuses for affordable housing developments that
demonstrate that a minimum of 15% of the total units are reserved as affordable
housing units. Such bonuses shall not exceed SO% of the density permitted by
the Future Land Use Map and shall not include properties located in the Coastal
Storm Area. Developments must demonstrate the use of energ sag building
standards and site design characteristics. The density bonus shall be established
by ordinance in the Community Development Code.
C.1.9.2 Allow flexibility with regard to setbacks and off-street parking to accommodate
density bonuses associated with affordable housing developments provided the
project design does not detract from the established or emerging character of the
immediate vicinity.
(`.1 .Q 2 All~~y flevuLi:lifi~ ;arit}3 reUnarrrl t~ Off_gtrect pwrk;ng for pr ~e~ts C.^..^,ta'.n:ng
affordable housing units located within 1000 feet of a transit stop.
teeh~ic~eg:
:b~ L,b ~„ vJ«
.~
cc »
26
Exhibit A Ordinance No. 8247-11
. [Relocated under Goal C.2J
C.1.~10 Objective for Homelessness Solutions -Cooperate with Pinellas County, other
municipalities and other organizations to seek an end to homelessness.
Policies
C.1.~10.1 Cooperate with Pinellas County and other municipalities in implementing
provisions found within Opening Doors of Opportunity: A 10-Year Plan to End
Homelessness in Pinellas County.
C.1.-1-f10.2 Implement provisions of the 2005 - 2010 Consolidated Planning Document that
address solutions to homelessness
C.1.~10.3 Continue to participate in the Pinellas County Homeless Coalition, the Homeless
Leadership Network, and the Pinellas County Homeless Policy Group.
C.1.-1-10.4 Continue to work with area housing providers to make shelters and transitional
housing and/or programs available to the homeless.
C.~2 GOAL - TO INCORPORATE SUSTAINABLE DESIGN AND LOW IlVIPACT
DEVELOPMENT PRACTICES, AND ENCOURAGE THE USE OF ALTERNATIVE AND
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES, ENERGY AND WATER CONSERVATION AND
GREEN BUILDING TECHNIQUES IN RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT THAT MEET
THE NEEDS OF CURRENT AND FUTURE RESIDENTS.
C.2.1. Objective for Sustainable Desien - Recoenizine that sustainable residential buildin
and neighborhood design contribute to keepine residential units affordable over the
lone term by reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions lowering
utility bills and decreasine maintenance costs, the Citv of Clearwater will promote the
use of sustainable techniques in residential development design.
Policies
C.2.1.1. The Citv recognizes energyy services are provided by natural environmental
features, includins the landscape sun and wind and shall promote site
development and resource management that complements or substitutes for
enerey-intensive technologies and resource-consumptive activities
C.2.1.2. The Community Development Code shall be revised to include standards for
residential parcel and neighborhood development design characteristics intended
to reduce enerev consumption and employpassive heating cooling a~ghting
techniques.
C.2.1.3. For affordable and market-rate residential development projects undertaken in
partnership between the City and private entities preference will be given to
residential projects that use sustainable designs and land develo ment ractices
to both increase the supply of residential units and reduce greenhouse gas
emissions.
27
Exhibit A Ordinance No. 8247-11
C.2.1.4. Promote site planning and desien that reduces demand for artificial heatin
cooling ventilation and li htin Design factors include buildin desi n siting,
and orientation that effectively utilize natural solar resources wind conditions
tree canopy, and plant materials to reduce the effects of exposure to extreme
weather conditions.
C.2.1.5. The Citv shall encourage neighborhood designs that minimize energy consumption
and maximize the effectiveness of consumed energy including clusterin units
of diverse types, to maximize the provision of open spaces and minimize the
energy and resources used in the provision of grey infrastructure The Ci _ shall
also continue to develop pedestrian bicycle and transit facilities in residential
areas to improve energy efficient transportation links between residential
neighborhoods, and employment centers shop~in areas parks and schools
C.2.1.6. Develop prototypical landscape plans that incorporate native Florida drought-
tolerant, and edible plants and trees for distribution to local area housin non-
profits and neighborhood associations.
C.2.2. Obiective for Alternative and Renewable Energy Use- The Citv shall uromote the
transition to. and use of, alternative and renewable energy sources within the
residential housing sector in order to meet greenhouse gas reduction targets by 2035
Policies
C.2.2.1. The City shall revise the Community Development Code to permit the
installation of solar collection devices neighborhood-scaled wind turbines and
other alternative and renewable energy collection technologies within residential
r+rniartc nr araac,
r• ~~
C.2.2.2. The City shall coordinate with local ener suppliers to ensure the means to and
permit the addition of locallyproduced alternative energy to the existing
electrical power grid through the use of reverse kilowatt-hour meters or other
similar technolo ies.
C.2.2.3.The City should support training workshops in the use and application of
alternative and renewable energy sources in residential construction trades and
continue to foster cooperative relationships between those building trades
architects, engineers and the Ci and rovide information re arding alternative
and renewable sources to local area housing_providers
C.2.3. Obiective for Energy Conservation -The City shall reduce the consumption of energy,
during construction and during the lifecycle of residential units and neighborhoods in
order to meet greenhouse gas reduction targets by 2035
Policies
C.2.3.1. The Citv shall promote the development of residential units located in proximity
to activity centers employment centers and transit services to reduce the need
for automobile travel, energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions
28
Exhibit A Ordinance No. 8247-11
C.2.3.2. The City shall continue to utilize housing_program funds and other available
resources, such as weatherization grants to improve the energy efficienc~f
housing for low to moderate income households
C.2.3.3. The Citv shall require the installation of energy-efficient appliances fixtures and
fenestration, and water-conserving_plumbing and irrigation fixtures and systems in
all new residential construction and all renovation or redevelopment projects
where investments of more than 50 percent of the value of the original structure
occur.
C.2.3.4. The City shall support the rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of historically
siQrlificant housine, so as to contain the embedded energy in the existing structure
and maintain nei~llborhood character The City shall also link the private sector
with potential sources of technical assistance and funding for the rehabilitation and
adaptive reuse of historical] si~lificant housing resources
C.2.3.5. The City shall continue to make educational materials available to residents that
identify and encourage measures residents may take to lower household energy
consumption.
C.2.4. Objective for Green Buildin>? -The City shall promote the use of >?reen buildins=
techniques and materials in new residential construction and residential renovation
and rehabilitation projects.
Policies
C.2.4.1. Encourage affordable and market-rate housing_projects that are constructed
consistent with US Green Building Council (USGBC Leadership in Energy and
Fnvirnnmental Tl~i(rn (T FFrlLprnriplec~ the Flnrirla (:rPPn Rnilrlinr~ (`nalitinn
Green Land Development and Building Standards or other recognized standards
or ratins? systems that promote resource conservation and energy efficiency
C.2.4.2. The City shall promote the use of locally sourced sustainable collected recycled
or refurbished building materials and components consistent with the 2010
Florida Buildin Code.
*****
29
Exhibit A Ordinance No. 8247-11
AMENDMENT 5 -CONSERVATION ELEMENT GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
Amend Goals, Objectives and Policies of the Plan as follows:
~****
F. CONSERVATION ELEMENT
The intent and purpose of the City's Conservation Element is for the conservation, use and protection of
natural resources in the area, including air, water, water-recharge areas, wetlands, soils, beaches, shores,
flood plains, harbors, bays, minerals, and other natural and environmental resources. The maps for this
element generally identify and depict these areas.
Conservation Needs Summary
The following summarizes the needs identified in the Conservation Element:
*****
The Clearwater Greenprint: A Community Action Plan for Sustainability outlines strate ieg s for
reduction of greenhouse gas emissions needed to meet target reduction goals This document is to
be adopted by reference into this Conservation Element.
The integration of resource conservation and overall energy efficiency into the City's growth
management policies is displayed throu the Ener~y Conservation Areas and Corridors Map A-16
as Hart of the Future Land Use Ma series.
*****
GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
F.1 GOAL - TO PROTECT, A#B-CONSERVE, AND APPROPRIATELY MANAGE~v
NATURAL RESOURCES AND TO ENHANCE
NATURAL FEATURES "`~rTHAT CONTRIBUTE TO THE
5~~~ ~~E~~ ~S SUSTAINABILITY OF
CLEARWATER'S SENSITIVE ENVII20NMENT.
F.1.1 Objective -The City shall continue to meet or
exceed the minimum air quality standards established by the Florida Department of
Environmental Protection.
Policies
F.1.1.1 Require all new residential and non-residential development to provide a specified
amount of Florida friendly shade trees based on an established desired ratio of
pervious to impervious surface areas. Shade trees will serve to provide carbon
sequestration, heat reduction, noise abatement, visual buffering, replenishment of
oxygen, and aesthetic beauty.
30
Exhibit A Ordinance No. 8247-11
F.1.1.2 The City of Clearwater shall cooperate with the Tampa Bay Regional Planning
Council and Pinellas County in their efforts to develop plans for improving and
monitoring air quality.
F.1.1.3 The Citv shall continue to protect against point source and non-point source air
pollution, including_greenhouse gas emissions by maintainingland use and
development controls that promote only those activities compatible with existing
land uses and natural systems, and prohibit levels or intensities of activi . that
Qenerate air pollutants and other adverse i facts in quantities that exceed
recommended or mandated thresholds. The City's Community Development
Code shall continue to require that air pollutants (smoke certain greenhouse
asg ses, particulate matter, odor and toxic matter comply with standards
specified in Chapters 62-204 and 62-285 Florida Administrative Code and
regulated by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection
F.1.1.4 The Community Development Code shall maintain land development best
mana eg ment practices that combat soil erosion and generation of fugitive dust
and limit the movement of soil during site development to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions.
F.1.2 Objective -The City shall continue to protect lloodplains, drainage ways, and all
other natural areas having functional hydrological characteristics.
Policies
F.1.2.1 Any construction in the one hundred (100) year floodplain shall comply with all
requirements and standards of the Federal Emergency Management Agency of the
Federal Flood Insurance Administration, and the City's building codes.
F.1.2.2 Construction and development activities in natural drainage channels shall be
prohibited, except for public flood protection projects designed to correct
specifically identified pre-existing flood conditions and for which no reasonable
alternative flood control measures are available; such activities shall not increase
the flood potential for areas outside the project target area, nor shall the overall
water quality of the affected drainage channels be reduced as a result of the
activities.
F.1.2.3 The City shall support the establishment of Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL)
for impaired water and its implementation as appropriate within the City.
F.1.2.§4 Cooperate and coordinate development activities with the Southwest Florida Water
Management District (SWFWMD) and the Florida Department of Environmental
Protection (FDEP) in the implementation of the Surface Water Improvement and
Management (SWIM) Program including maintaining and upgrading the quality of
water of Tampa Bay and Clearwater Harbor.
31
Exhibit A Ordinance No. 8247-11
F.1.2.65 Natural filtration techniques and methods such as grassy swales and natural
wetland water storage should be implemented to provide purification of stormwater
runoff before entering any surface waters.
F.1.2.~6 Transfer of development rights should be implemented to provide alternatives to
development and degradation of wetlands and other natural resources.
F.1.2.57 Protect all natural drainage channels from destruction or any restriction of their
functional use and regulate protection through the Clearwater Community
Development Code: this policy may be waived for any public flood conditions
when it can be demonstrated that: (a) No reasonable alternative flood control
measures are available; (b) The project will not increase the flood potential for
areas outside the project target area; and (c) Overall water quality of the affected
drainage channel will not be reduced as a result of the project.
F.1.298 Design and approve future redevelopment of Clearwater's downtown waterfront
with consideration of the natural bluff features through the Future Land Use Plan,
the Community Development Code, Clearwater Downtown Redevelopment Plan,
and in accordance with the City Charter.
F.1.2.4.99 Monitor and enforce City requirements for treatment ponds and environmental
mitigation sites.
*~***
F.1.9 Obiective -The City shall conserve the availability of current and future water sources
Policies
F.1.9.1 In order to conserve the potable water supply and to achieve a reduction in the
current rates of water consumption the City shall consider adopting the following
performance standards in the Communi Development Code-
a. Where non-notable alternative sources of irrigation water are available potable
water supplies may not be used to meet irrigation needs
b. Encouraee adherence to water saving plumbing fixtures compliant with the
State Water Conservation Act (Ch. 553 14 Florida Statutes) in all new
construction or renovations.
c. Consider the institution of a leak detection program to conserve the water
supply by curtailing wasteful losses of potable water resources
d. In order to reduce demand for irrigation water new development shall emplox
and/or preserve native vegetation or use other drought tolerant plants for
landscaping, to the eatest practicable extent Native Florida plants shall be
promoted where ssible.
F.1.9.2 The City shall coordinate with the Southwest Florida Water Management District
(SWFWMDI and all other water re lating bodies in implementin emer encX
water conservation measures. based on SWFWMD plans for management of the
region's water resources.
*****
32
Exhibit A Ordinance No. 8247-11
F.3 GOAL -REDUCE NATURAL RESOURCE CONSUMPTION AND GREENHOUSE GAS
EMISSIONS TO PROVIDE A SUSTAINABLE ENVII2ONMENT AND QUALITY OF LIFE.
F.3.1 Objective -The City shall pursue the greenhouse gas emission reduction targets through
strategies outlined within the Clearwater Greenprint. The reduction targets from 2007
levels are set at 10 percent by 2020 and 25 percent by 2035.
F.3.1.1 The City shall implement the recommendations in the Clearwater Greenprint as
adopted on (month, da~~ consistent with this Comprehensive Plan
F.3.1.2 The City shall prepare an analysis of the achievement of the goals and strategies
contained within the Clearwater Greenprint every seven years coinciding the
Comprehensive Plan Evaluation and Appraisal Report cycle.
F.3.1.3 The Energy Conservation Areas and Corridors Map A-16 adopted into the
Future Land Use Map series, shall displa energy conservation and greenhouse
was emission reduction areas, based on the information contained within the
Clearwater Greenprint and this Comprehensive Plan.
F.3.2 Objective -Continue to annually monitor state-of-the-art concepts for manaeinE
energy resource conservation and reducing Ereenhouse gas emissions, particularly
those concepts that have been demonstrated to be successful and cost effective in
resolving development and conservation issues.
F.3.2.1 The City shall assist in devel~ing and improving the availability of accurate and
cost-effective information concerning a diversity of energy supplies available to
the region and County.
F.3.22_ Promote an orderly transition in the community from present non-renewable
fuels to a diversity of renewable and cleaner-burnin~gY sources and
consumption patterns, including, solar wind and ocean current technologies and
promote practices that ensure each form of energy is used to do work for which it
is best suited.
F.3.2.3. Work with the State, Regional Planning Council, and the County to promote the
use of demonstrated cost-efficient energy technology. These technological
improvements include, but are not limited to emplo ing resource recovery
systems and rec~g efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and total
energy use; reducing the depletion of natural resources and minimizin the
potential environmental, economic and social impacts of future energy and
energy-related facilities within the City, including throu h siting and construction
activities.
F.3.2.4. Coordinate energy management and energy-related decision making with
concerned entities within the public and private sectors including federal state
regional, and Count agencies. Work with these agencies and entities in order to
maximize awareness of energy related problems and issues alternative
techniques for resolving energy related problems and issues and to identify
future areas where joint efforts may enhance mutual goals and objectives
F.3.2.5. The Ci tv should evaluate new cost effective techniques for monitoring land
development, energy conservation, and greenhouse gas emissions Evaluation
33
Exhibit A Ordinance No. 8247-11
efforts shall consider innovation in analysis of energy supplies- alternative energy
sources• enemy consumption patterns' cost implications- and energy related
impacts of utilities including the electrical utility water and wastewater systems
and solid waste disposal.
F.3.2.6. Energy use in housin ,transportation, industry and commerce shall be monitored
and evaluated on a regular basis using available analytical techniques. Analytical
findings shall be used to formulate public .policy directed toward needed
corrective ener~y conservation measures.
F.3.2.7. The City shall lead b example and incorporate energy-efficient designs and
strategies in municipal buildings and facilities in order to encourage the
construction and retrofitting of energy-efficient structures in the Citv
*****
34
Exhibit A Ordinance No. 8247-11
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Energy Conservation
Areas and Corridors
Map#:A-16
Date: May 2011
Source: Renaissance Planning Group
LEGEND
O ENERGY CONSERVATION AREA
1. CLEARWATER BEACH AREA
2. DOWNTOWNAREA
3. MORTON PLANT AREA
4. NORTH GREENWOOD AREA
5. HERCULES INDUSTRIAL AREA
6. COUNTRYSIDE MALL AREA
7. CLEARWATER MALL AREA
A... ENERGY CONSERVATION CORRIDOR
A. DREW STREET CORRIDOR
B. GULF TO BAY BOULEVARD CORRIDOR
C. MISSOURI AVENUE CORRIDOR
MIXED USE CENTER
COMMERCIALAREA
RESIDENTIALAREA
RECREATION I OPEN SPACE AREA
CONSERVATION/PRESERVATION AREA
EXISTING/PROPOSED MULTIUSE TRAIL
ENHANCED/PREMIUM BUS TRANSIT
------- FUTURE RAIL TRANSIT
CLEARWATER PLANNING AREA
CAN" Prepared by.
RENAISSANCE PLANNING GROUP
400 North Ashley Drive, Suite 1010
Tampa, FL 33602
5f 813-254-7741 Phone
Disclaimer:
Public information data is furnished by the City of Clearwater Planning and
Development Department, and must be accepted and used by the recipient
with the understanding that the data received was collected for the purpose
of developing a graphic infrastructure inventory. As such, the City of
Clearwater makes no warranties, expressed or implied, concerning the
accuracy, completeness, reliability, or suitability of this data for any other
particular use. Furthermore, the City of Clearwater assumes no liability
whatsoever associated with the use or misuse of such data.
CITY OF CLEARWATER COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
POLICY FRAMEWORK FOR CREATING A MORE
EFFICIENT AND SUSTAINABLE CLEARWATER
Prepared for:
City of Clearwater.
CLEARWATER ~~~;i
A COM~l.UNITY ACTION PLAN FOR SUSTAINABiLITY.
Prepared by:
RENAISSANCE PLANNING GROUP
DECEMBER 2010
CITY OF CLEARWATER COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMEt~fTS
Policy Framework for Creating a More Efficient and Sustainable Clearwater
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................................................... ..1
PURPOSE .........................................................................................................................................................................................1
CLEARWATER GREENPRINT ....................................................................................................................................................... ..1
COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN POLICY DEVELOPMENT .................................................................................................. ..1
ADDRESSING STATE OF FLORIDA POLICIES FOR COMPREHENSIVE PLANS ................................................................... ..2
Rule 9J-5, Florida Admiistrative Code .................................................................................................................................. ..2
Laws of Florida 2008-96 (HB 697) ..................................................................................................................................... ..2
Laws of Florida 2009-96 (SB 360) ..................................................................................................................................... ..2
CONTEXT FOR COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENTS ...................................................................................................... ..3
NEED FOR AMENDMENTS TO COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ......................................................................................... ..3
COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY ......................................................................................................................................... ..3
MAJOR ISSUES ............................................................................................................................................................................. ..3
Environment ...............................................................................................................................................
...............................
.. 3
Economy .................................................................................................................................................................................... .. 4
Quality of Life .......................................................................................................................................................................... ..5
Desired Outcome ..................................................................................................................................................................... ..6
DATA AND ANALYSIS SUPPORTING AMENDMENTS ............................................................................................. ..6
GREENHOUSE GAS INVENTORY .............................................................................................................................................. ..6
GREENPRINT COMPONENTS .................................................................................................................................................... ..7
Land Uses and Mobility Options ............................................................................................................................................ ..7
Best Building Practices Analysis .............................................................................................................................................. ..7
Resource Conservation ............................................................................................................................................................ ..7
METHODS USED IN THE GREENPRINT ..................................................................................................................................... ..8
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENTS ................................................................................................................. ..9
ELEMENTS RELEVANT TO CURRENT AMENDMENTS ................................................................................................................9
Conservation ............................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Land Use ......................................................................................................................................................................................9
Transportation .......................................................................................................................................................................... 10
Housing ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 10
SUMMARY ............................................................................................................................................................... 10
City of Clearwater
November 2010
CITY OF CLEARWATER COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENTS
Policy Framework for Creating a More Efficient and Sustainable Clearwater
GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES TO SUPPORT
SUSTAINABILITY IN THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
INTRODUCTION
PURPOSE
The purpose of this report is to document the need for and approach to addressing sustainability
in the City of Clearwater Comprehensive Plan. Through the creation of Clearwater Greenprint:
A Community Action Plan for sustainability (Greenprint), the City of Clearwater has identified
issues and strategies that link to various elements of the Comprehensive Plan. The Greenprint
strategies described in the Greenprint and the Comprehensive Plan amendments substantiated by
this report are designed to respond to State of Florida initiatives and policies, relating growth
management and sustainability. In particular, the City of Clearwater has created conservation,
land use and transportation strategies for different areas of the City. The City has also identified
strategies across various topics to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases, become more energy
and rely more on renewable sources of energy.
CLEAR WATER GREENPRINT
The concepts and practices outlined in Greenprint provide the foundation for addressing
sustainability as the City evolves over a 25 year planning period and beyond. The horizon year
for the Greenprint is 2035. There are several topic areas considered in the Greenprint: education
and awareness, green energy and buildings, land use and urban form, transportation, waste
management, water resources, green business and jobs and food production. Each of the topic
areas has goals and strategies that relate to sustainability in general and the reduction of
greenhouse gases. The data and analysis for the Greenprint are centered on the greenhouse gas
reduction strategies. This analysis and the strategies that have resulted provide an opportunity to
shed light on and address a number of policy initiatives and topic areas important to the City:
reducing per capita vehicle miles of travel (VMT), relying more on transit, walking and bicycling
for local and regional mobility, increasing the energy efficiency of existing building stock, setting
standards for new buildings to include energy efficient and green components, increasing the use
of renewable sources of energy, reducing the waste stream, improving the recycling rate,
conserving water resources and creating better access to fresh, locally produced food. All of
these goals directly correlate with the overall need to reduce greenhouse gases and create a
more efficient community.
COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION (N POLICY DEVELOPMENT
The City of Clearwater highly values community participation in the creation of new policy and
developed a comprehensive strategy for engagement during the development of the Greenprint
and the associated amendments to the Comprehensive Plan. The City Council appointed a
Steering Committee comprised of residents, business owners and institutional representatives. The
City of Clearwater
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December 2010
CITY OF CLEARWATER COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENTS
Policy Framework for Creating a More Efficient and Sustainable Clearwater
primary purpose of the Committee was to assist in developing, vetting and communicating the
recommendations of the Greenprint and Comprehensive Plan amendments. The Committee had a
series of meetings during the summer and fall of 2010 and winter 2011. In addition to the
Steering Committee, the City held two open house events to provide an opportunity for anyone in
the community to review, contemplate and comment on the draft and final recommendations. The
first of these was held in September 2010 and the second was held in March 201 1. The adoption
process for both the Greenprint and Comprehensive Plan amendments included public hearings
and City Council approval.
ADDRESSING STATf OF FLORIDA POLICIES FOR COMPREHEIJSIVf PLANS
The City adopted its Evaluation and Appraisal Report-based Comprehensive Plan amendments in
2008, and as a result, the current plan reflects community sentiment for all but the ongoing
Greenprint initiative, the Pinellas County 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan and the most
recent state legislative requirements for growth management (Senate Bill 360) and energy (House
Bill 697).
RULE 9J-5. FLORIDA ADMIiSTRATIVE CODE
Though Florida Administrative Code rules do not specifically address "sustainability" as a specific
term, they do address concepts of sustainability, including water and natural resources protection,
and land and energy conservation through rules discouraging urban sprawl. Additionally, a local
government may craft goals that include indicators of sustainability for any applicable element,
which in turn would lead to the inclusion of objectives intended to measure progress towards those
sustainability goals, and policies to guide the achievement of those objectives. The Greenprint
related amendments specifically address these areas of concern.
LAWS OF FLORIDA 2008-96 iH6 6971
The statutory amendments, contained within House Bill 697 (HB 697), introduced new requirements
for the Future Land Use, Transportation, Housing, and Conservation elements. These four elements
are most closely associated with the Greenprint's strategies, and are the primary elements
receiving amendments to incorporate the City's sustainability principles and GHG emission
reduction strategies contained in the Greenprint.
The Greenprint amendments address requirements for the inclusion of "energy efficient land use
patterns" and "greenhouse gas reduction strategies", and a new map as part of the Future Land
Use Element map series that "generally" identifies "energy conservation." The amendments also
incorporate "transportation strategies to address reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from the
transportation sector;" the Housing Element amendments incorporate policies that address "energy
efficiency in the design and construction of new housing," and "use of renewable resources;" and
the Conservation Element amendments include "factors that affect energy conservation" as part of
the conservation of natural resources.
LAWS OF FLORIDA 2009-96 tSB 3601
Senate Bill 360 (SB 360) and HB 697 are closely linked through the policies that must be
adopted into comprehensive plans. The policy amendments and supporting data and analysis
City of Clearwater
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December 2010
CITY OF CLEARWATER COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENTS
Policy Framework for Creoting o More Efficient and Sustainoble Clearwater
associated with the Greenprint (which addresses HB 697) inherently combines transportation and
land use strategies as tools to increase mobility and reduce GHG emissions, which also constitute
mobility planning required by SB 360 to substantiate multimodal growth management policies
and concurrency management level of service standards. Individual projects associated with
mobility improvements for all modes will need to be identified and incorporated into the City's
Capital Improvement Plan, both for the short-term and the long-term, regardless of the
governmental entity funding the improvements or programs in order to satisfy the "support and
fund mobility" component of SB 360.
CONTEXT FOR COMPREHENSIVE PiAN AMENDMENTS
Since Evaluation and Appraisal Report-based Comprehensive Plan amendments in 2008, the City
of Clearwater has adopted new policies relating to Transit Oriented Development, the Pinellas
County Metropolitan Planning Organization has completed a major update to the 2035 Long
Range Transportation Plan, and Pinellas County local governments and stakeholders have
commenced specific discussions of a transportation funding referendum and coordinated planning
between stakeholders, the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority and the Pinellas
Suncoast Transit Authority regarding the analysis to substantiate the need for a major investment
in a fixed guideway serving Clearwater and other parts of the County. These issues are
addressed in the text amendments in addition to the new language specific to the Greenprint.
NEED FOR AMENDMENTS TO COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
COMMITMENT 70 SUSTAINABILlTY
Prior to initiating the Greenprint process, the City of Clearwater recognized the need to define
sustainability and create and action plan to address a number of issues that cut across the
economy, quality of life and environment. At the time the Greenprint commenced, the City had
already completed a number of important steps in solidifying a commitment to sustainability,
including signing the U.S. Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, completing a
greenhouse gas inventory of City government operations, and being recognized by the Florida
Green Building Coalition as a Certified Green City. Expanding the commitment to addressing
sustainability into the broader community action plan of the Greenprint was an obvious next step.
MAJOR ISSUES
As Clearwater looks toward achieving a sustainable future, the solutions involve understanding the
relationship between the environment, economy and quality of life. In formulating strategies and
policies, it is important to consider how to strike a balance between growth, livability and
environmental management. While not necessarily at odds, there are varying types and degrees
of trade-offs that need to be considered and responded to. Through informed and responsible
actions, the City can create an environment where livability and sustainability are mutually
reinforcing within the community at large and achievable over the long term.
ENVIRONMENT
Public consciousness of the need for environmental stewardship has grown significantly over the
past decade and is increasingly affecting how we make collective, corporate and private
City of Clearwater 3
December 2010
CITY OF CLEARWATER COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENTS
Policy Framework for Creating a More Efficient and Sustainable Clearwater
decisions. There are environmental issues -global, national and local -that warrant specific
consideration and response. Scientists around the world are measuring the increasing levels of
greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere that result from burning fossil fuels to heat homes, run
factories, generate electricity, and travel by gas-powered vehicles. Their research indicates
strong links between these atmospheric changes and a host of increasing conditions that interfere
with the planet's ability to sustain life as we know it, such as:
• Rising levels of air pollution across urban, suburban and even rural areas;
• Breaks or "holes" in the atmospheric ozone layer that protects us from the sun's harmful
ultraviolet rays;
• Rapidly melting glaciers at both poles that are diminishing the habitats of several animal
species, and forcing some human communities to find higher ground;
• Worldwide ocean temperature changes that are affecting entire species of marine life;
and
• Rising sea levels that are gradually beginning to inundate coastal and tidal communities
across the world, causing higher tides, stronger storm surges, eroding beaches, and
increasing amounts of salt in freshwater marshes.
The City of Clearwater recognizes that it is vulnerable to the effects of climate change. The City
can and should facilitate a holistic strategy for the community to take specific steps to mitigate the
effect of human behavior on climate change in hopes of lessening the negative effects of this
process. The Greenprint responds directly by identifying strategies to reduce greenhouse gases,
while the Comprehensive Plan amendments support the strategies relative to specific elements.
ECONOMY
At the time of this writing, the national economy has not recovered from the Great Recession of
2009. The State of Florida's economy has struggled because of the relatively large portions of
the economy that rely on real estate development and tourism. The housing market remains soft
and the tourism industry has experience several difficult years due to the combined effect of the
economy and the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill. While the current state of the economy is thought
be attributable to cyclical rather than structural change by most, there is substantial evidence that
the City of Clearwater needs to consider and respond to several non-cyclical economic, physical
and demographic factors in its approach to economic development and community building. These
include:
• Competing with other U.S. and international cities to attract new "green" economy jobs;
• Lack of vacant land resulting in reliance on renovation of existing building stock and
redevelopment to house future residents and economic activity;
• Increasing rate of building obsolescence due to rapid growth over past decades using
building systems and technology with relatively short useful lives, high need for ongoing
maintenance and~or high operating costs;
City of Clearwater 4
December 2010
CITY OF CLEARWATER COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENTS
Policy Framework for Creating o More Efficient and Sustainable Clearwater
• The potential for a long term decline in the retiree immigration rate and a retiree
population with less fixed and disposable income than generations past;
• The need to attract young or otherwise new workers to the City to live and work;
• Overcoming the current trend toward lack of public support for new government spending,
including major transportation infrastructure investments;
• Difficulty in the near-term accessing commercial and personal credit at previous levels;
• Pending obligations to fund federal entitlement programs for retirees and retire
significant levels of federal and state government debts resulting in leaner government
budgets; and
• The real potential for a permanent diminished supply of petroleum-based liquid fuels
The City has the capability to address some of these issues through the Comprehensive Plan and
other policies and programs. The Comprehensive Plan amendments include policies to make
buildings more efficient, encourage new development, increase job growth and create improved
localized and citywide jobs to housing balance. The Greenprint strategies provide some specific
guidance on these topics as well. The City, as a leader in integrating sustainability into its
practices, will provide an example for the community in how to address sustainability at the
business and household level.
QUALITY OF LIFE
In order for the City of Clearwater to be successful in implementing a sustainability agenda that
supports economic vitality, the approach must be linked to quality of life measures that are
defined and addressed by the overall policy framework. The ultimate success of the Clearwater
community to remain vibrant will rely on the extent to which quality of life factors are made
manifest in positive ways and recognized outside of the county, region and state. In creating
policies for the Comprehensive Plan, the City needs to account for:
• Increasing need for community awareness regarding the need to become more efficient,
resilient and environmentally responsible;
• Increasing levels of socioeconomic diversification and the resulting need for services and
new approaches to community involvement and decision-making;
• The need for buildings to have cost effective energy efficiency characteristics and retrofits
that reducing the ongoing cost of operations;
• The locational efficiency of existing and new housing to jobs and existing and planned
transportation infrastructure;
• The combined cost of housing and transportation and strategies to create affordable
options for residents and workers; and
• The potential for significant increases in the cost of fuel and food in the short and long run.
City of Clearwater 5
December 2010
CITY OF CLEARWATER COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENTS
Policy Framework for Creating a More Efficient and S~stoinable Clearwoter
The Greenprint as an action plan for sustainability, if aggressively and meaningfully
implemented, will be an observable and positive differentiating characteristic for the City in
relation to other areas. The City, through the Comprehensive Plan, Community Development Code,
communications efforts and economic development strategy will need to facilitate an environment
where these quality of life factors can be addressed successfully through public and private
actions.
DESIRED OUTCOME
Addressing these issues in the City of Clearwater Comprehensive Plan will assist in the transition
from its current position as a livable community to a sustainable community. This will provide
current and future residents with economic prosperity, environmental stewardship, and social
equity. The City's Comprehensive Plan will guide the development of amendments to the
Community Development Code, which implements the policies within the Comprehensive Plan. The
Code outlines requirements for land development and will ultimately provide standards and
incentives for sustainable practices. The City's Comprehensive Plan goals, objectives and policies
will guide and direct the processes and actions identified in the Greenprint, and will provide those
strategies the force of law. Succeeding the Comprehensive Plan amendments will be revisions to
the City's Community Development Code, which will implement the strategy-based policies
needed to reduce GHG emissions and achieve the City's target emission levels for 2020 and
2035.
DATA AND ANALYSIS SUPPORTING AMENDMENTS
While the Greenprint is intended to be the more accessible, user-friendly document describing the
City's sustainability goals and the strateaies needed to achieve the goals; the Comprehensive Plan
is the more formal legal document that will guide the City toward those goals. The analyses used
to determine the reductions of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, by category, for the Greenprint
serve as the supporting data and analyses for the goals, objectives, and policies that will be
incorporated into each of the elements identified in HB 697 (Future Land Use, Transportation,
Housing, and Conservation).
GREENHOUSE GAS INVENTORY
As a part of the Greenprint process, the City of Clearwater conducted a communitywide GHG
inventory covering all sectors of the economy. The primary sources of GHG emissions are
electricity use (64% of total) and transportation (31 % of total). Other sectors of the economy that
contribute to the total are natural gas, solid waste, propane and wastewater. The City is
contemplating reduction targets of 10% by 2020 and 25% by 2035 below 2007 levels. GHG
emission reductions serve as a means by which the City can reduce its impact on climate change
and increase its overall level of sustainability. The reductions can be achieved through
conservation, investment in energy efficiency measures, and through adoption and implementation
of emerging technologies and renewable energy sources. The following presents an overview of
the Greenprint, which has been used to generate the amendments to the City's Comprehensive
Plan. Goals, Objectives and Policies have been revised or created to address the overarching
need to conserve resources, increase multimodal mobility, and reduce GHG emissions.
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CITY OF CLEARWATER COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENTS
Policy Framework for Creating o More Efficient and S~stainoble Clearwater
The City's GHG emission reduction targets for 2020 and 2035 will be achieved through a
coordinated set of strategies that will apply to government, businesses, and residents. Greenprint,
and the strategies being established for each of the City's component categories, provides the
action plan to achieve the sustainability goals associated with GHG emission reduction targets.
GREENPRlNT COMPONENTS
As an action plan, the Greenprint is a collaborative effort by the City government and community
stakeholders to determine strategies that will lead the Clearwater community to its target future
GHG emission levels. The strategies have been organized into different categories, each with
several goals that will result from local choices, decisions, and investments. Many of the strategies
directly contribute to the reduction targets and their effect has been analyzed and measured as a
part of the Greenprint. The categories most closely associated with the elements identified in HB
697 and SB 360 are: Land Use and Urban Form, Transportation, Green Energy and Buildings,
and Water Resources.
LAND USES AND MOBILITY OPTIONS
Of the goals and strategies identified in the Greenprint, the following are related to the
Transportation; and Land Use and Urban Form categories:
• Reduce the number and length of vehicle trips and reduce congestion.
• Rely on transit, walking and cycling for a greater percentage of overall travel.
• Reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of the vehicle fleet by shifting to cleaner fuels and
more fuel-efficient vehicles.
• Create vibrant, mixed-use, walkable, transit-supportive, neighborhood activity centers to
link people with jobs and services and reduce the need for automobile travel.
• Fully utilize public and other property to sequester carbon and reduce the heat island
effect.
Each of these goals is related to the others, and the related strategies identified as actions to
achieve them are being examined together as part of a linked transportation mobility and land
use analysis for both the Greenprint and the Comprehensive Plan.
BEST BUILDING PRACTICES ANALYSIS
The goals and strategies most closely associated with required amendments to the Housing
Element are within the Green Energy and Buildings category:
• Decrease the energy demand of existing privately-owned buildings through
weatherization and energy efficiency upgrades.
• Increase the energy efficiency of new privately-owned buildings.
Strategies identified for these goals will lay the foundation for amendments to the goals,
objectives, and policies of the City's Housing Element and the Future Land Use Element.
RESOURCE CONSERVATION
City of Clearwoter ~
December 2010
CITY OF CLEARWATER COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENTS
Policy Framework for Creating o More Efficient and Sustainable Clearwater
The Transportation; and Land Use and Urban Form categories in the Greenprint indirectly contain
conservation-related goals and strategies, including the reduction of fossil fuel use through non-
motorized modes of transportation, and reduced energy consumption through more sustainable
building practices. The Water Resources; and Green Energy and Buildings categories explicitly
identify resource conservation within their goals and strategies.
• Decrease energy demand of municipal buildings and operations.
• Decrease the energy demand of existing privately-owned buildings through
weatherization and energy efficiency upgrades.
• Increase the energy efficiency of new privately-owned buildings.
• Replace conventional sources of energy with clean and renewable sources.
• Reduce water consumption and stormwater runoff through conservation and low impact
development measures.
These goals can be incorporated into comprehensive plan policies, principally as direction for the
City to review and revise its Community Development Code to implement the strategies.
METHODS USED 1N THE GREENPRtNT
The primary means by which alterations to the connection between mobility and land use has
been examined is through an analysis of travel behavior, particularly as it relates to locations of
trip origins (residential areas) and trip destinations (non-residential areas) within the City's
planning area ,and the different categories of trip purposes. Mode share, trip lengths, and trip
production rates for different uses have all- been taken into consideration. Existing transportation
and demographic conditions (derived from the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Model and U.S.
Census data) have been entered into a scenario-planning program (CorMap) in order to
determine the number of vehicle miles traveled (VMT) for the City's planning area. A reduction
factor for VMT has been calculated using CorMap. The U.S. EPA's Motor Vehicle Emissions
Simulator (MOVES) model and generalized assumptions of GHG emission levels per VMT has
been used to determine the VMT reductions necessary to meet the future GHG reduction targets.
Reductions in VMT have been related to targets for mode shift and changes to travel behavior in
the City's planning area. The predicted changes will be achieved through the adoption of
multimodal transportation quality and level of service (QLOS) standards.
Using the City's adopted Future Land Use Map (PLUM) and the Pinellas County MPO's adopted
Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) Cost Feasible Plan, the City will adopt new and revised
goals, objectives, and policies and conduct detailed sub-area study that will coordinate long-
range land use and long-range transportation system planning in order to establish a more fully
coordinated set of land use strategies and transportation improvements.
Over time, designations on the PLUM will reflect conditions on the ground and proposed
transportation improvements for all modes will be implemented, and the City will have had the
opportunity to realize the potential for mixed-use land uses, or transit-oriented developments that
will shorten trip distances (VMT) between residential areas and non-residential areas, and reduce
City of Clearwater $
December 2010
CITY OF CLEARWATER COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENTS
Policy Fromework for Creating o More Efficient and Sustainable Clearwater
the transportation sector's contribution to GHG emissions. The development and redevelopment
associated with the implementation of the FLUM will incorporate energy-efficiency measures
contained within the revised Florida Building Code (FBC), and any transportation mode shifts that
occur within the City will reduce fossil fuel consumption and GHG emissions.
In addition to the land use and transportation analysis, the Greenprint includes extensive research,
data and analysis of energy use. The Greenprint strategies to conserve energy and make the
existing and future built environment more energy efficient have been applied and measured to
substantiate the GHG emissions reduction targets. The Greenprint considers numerous methods for
behavioral change, retrofitting and building systems and design to achieve the energy goals.
Many of the strategies are not germane to the Comprehensive Plan. Those that relate to building
design and systems are for the most part related to areas covered by the Community
Development Code. Other aspects of the Greenprint energy strategy do relate to the
Comprehensive Plan and are addressed by this set of amendments.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENTS
ELEMENTS RELEVANT TO CURRENT AMENDMENTS
There are four elements of the City of Clearwater Comprehensive Plan that have amendments
associated directly with the Greenprint. The following identify in summary the effect of the
revised and new goals, objectives and policies that are included the amendments described in this
report. The specific text amendments are included as attachments to this report.
CONSERVATION
• Adopt Clearwater Greenprint by reference.
• Reinforce policy statement on meeting air quality standards.
• Clarify techniques to improve water quality, reduce water usage, sequester carbon and
improve air quality.
• Maintain and improve the urban forest.
• Provide strategies to reduce energy use and improve energy efficiency.
• Allow for and encourage energy production from renewable sources.
LAND USE
• Establish Energy Conservation Areas and Corridors, including Energy Conservation Area
Map and call for energy efficiency updates to Community Development Code.
• Clarify land use issues relating to transportation network and site design issues relating to
transportation.
• Call for updates and additions to existing policy districts and standards specific to those
districts.
• Define energy efficiency as part of provisions for quality development
City of Cleorwater 8
December 2010
CITY OF CLEARWATER COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENTS
Policy Framework for Creating o More Efficient and Sustainable Clearwater
• Include sustainability education as part of public art program.
• Establish need to define areas suitable for energy production from renewable sources.
• Outline strategy for considering various forms of urban agriculture as appropriate uses
within the City.
TRANSPORTATION
• Create more detailed policies for pedestrian and bicycle facilities.
• State policy direction for creating complete streets in the City.
• Integrate more detailed guidance for intergovernmental coordination in efforts to plan,
prioritize, fund and implement transit enhancements and new service.
• Modify level of service standards for roadway network within defined areas.
• Introduce pedestrian and bicycle level of service standards into the concurrency
management system.
• Provide more detailed guidance for prioritizing transportation funds among facilities
serving all modes of transportation.
• Update text relative to recent adoptions of transportation plans.
HOUSING
• Emphasize need for increased energy efficiency and greenhouse gas reductions.
• Provide guidance for prioritizing and funding projects with energy efficiency measures.
• Call for update to Community Development, Code to integrate practices to increase
energy efficiency in site and building design.
• Provide educational material for residents on energy and resource conservation.
SUMMARY
The City of Clearwater intends to implement a set of coordinated strategies that will reduce its
consumption of energy and other resources. This course of action has the potential to result in local
energy independence and savings, economic benefits through investments in new technologies and
businesses needed to support them, and increased community health and reduced health care
costs that result from more active lifestyles associated with walkable communities and increased
percentages of walking and bicycling by residents. The Greenprint and the Comprehensive Plan,
and later the Community Development Code, will guide the City toward its sustainable future.
City of Clearwater 10
December 2010