Business Zoning Compliance applications are reviewed by Planning, Building, Public Works, Environmental Resources and the St. Lucie County Fire Department. The Fire District will do a physical inspection to look for things like fire extinguishers and lighted exit signs. Other departmental reviews will confirm items like landscaping and paved parking to include ADA space(s). Some inspections could require a formal inspection appointment. LDC Section 11.05.00 B., outlines the County’s Zoning Compliance process.
Our essential steps include:
1) Verification of use eligibility in the Zoning District (permitted, or Conditional Use with Permit obtained)
2) Verification of Structure’s Occupancy Type, compliance with Florida Building Code (i.e. mercantile, business, education, factory, etc.)
3) Adequacy of parking (primarily paved, with limited exception), with the County utilizing the Institute of Transportation Engineer’s (ITE) standards.
4) Landscape compliance, unless the applicant is a tenant in a multi-tenant plaza.
5) Clearance of parcel holds or any known code issues.
Commercial applicants can contact our Business Navigator to help them through the regulatory process and act as a liaison between County staff, outside agencies, and other business entities. If you have concerns about site plan approval, permitting, or Zoning Compliance processes or other regulatory requirements, please contact Business Navigator, Thondra Lanese with the Planning & Development Services Department, Economic Development Division at (772) 462-2548 or BusinessNavigator@StLucieCo.org
