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Bill Would Ease Rules On Rural Development

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The Associated Press

Published: March 19, 2009

Updated: 03/19/2009 07:28 pm

TALLAHASSEE - Builders and developers could soon find it easier to build in cities across Florida.

A Senate panel today approved a measure that would eliminate or streamline many regulations for builders seeking to put homes or businesses near cities, while making it easier to allow developments in rural areas if they create jobs.

Supporters of the measure, SB 360, contend the legislation is needed during a time when Florida's economy is stumbling. It would speed up permitting for some large developments and even exempt some developments from rules that block them unless nearby roads can handle increased traffic.

"It takes 1 1/2 to two years to get a building permit. That's just insane," said Mike Bennett, the Bradenton Republican who's sponsoring the bill.

But both environmental groups and those representing developers said they were not completely satisfied with the bill, which next heads to the full Senate.

Developers, for example, say the streamlined regulations don't apply to a big enough part of the state, while environmental groups remain worried it could encourage developments in areas that can't handle more growth. Charles Pattison, president of 1000 Friends of Florida noted that the streamlined rules apply to areas that that average no more than 1 house per acre.

Department of Community Affairs Secretary Tom Pelham, whose agency reviews growth regulations from across the state, called the measure a "balanced piece of legislation." He said it would encourage builders to start projects in places where the growth can be handled.

"I think it's an important part of growth management to encourage and facilitate good development," Pelham said. "It's just as important as stopping bad development."

While the Senate Policy and Steering Committee on Ways and Means approved the legislation today, three senators from Miami-Dade County voted against it.

They said they were concerned that it could encourage development in areas where Miami-Dade County has limited development because the entire county would become subject to the streamlined regulations.

"You might encourage sprawl," said Sen. Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach.

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