OKEECHOBEE – Okeechobee County Commissioners approved proposed changes to the Okeechobee County Comprehensive Plan during their May 14 meeting.  

The plan changes will go to the state for review.

During the initial discussion about the comprehensive plan changes at their April 23 meeting, commissioners voted unanimously to remove the proposed “Special Technical Opportunity Center” portion in the county’s proposed comp plan.  

Amendments to the Okeechobee County Comprehensive Plan include:

• Plan Framework: Updated statutory references and planning horizons. Clarifies Data & Analysis vs. Goals, Objectives, Policies.
• Population & Growth: Updates to 2024 population (~40,230) and 2045 projections. Notes slower/flat growth since 2010.
• Development Pattern: Updates population distribution and land use stats (~89% ag/undeveloped).
• Future Land Use Direction adds emphasis on mixed-use and economic diversification. Reinforces growth in southern urbanized area.
• Planning History: Condenses historical narrative.
• Environment & Economy: Continues regional environmental coordination. Shifts focus from historic conditions to economic opportunity. 
• Introduces Economic Opportunity Centers Overlay and Structured Growth Overlay. Clarifies allowable locations, standards, and flexibility across land use categories.
• Industrial:  Updates development standards and performance criteria. Removes: Industrial Overlay Districts. Agriculture: Amended: Adds allowance for solar facilities.
• Economic Opportunity Centers Overlay added: Establishes framework for employment-focused mixed-use centers. Defines development options, density, and performance standards;
• Structured Growth Overlay added: Introduces Compact Community and Rural Community development options. Sets density, infrastructure, and open space requirements. Limits extent of overlay development. 

•  Land Development Regulations amended: Allows blending of densities/intensities within developments.

• Military Compatibility added/expanded: Introduces coordination, disclosure, and overlay requirements.
•  System Coordination: Adds Heartland Regional Planning Organization and City of Okeechobee as coordinating agencies. 
•  Updates roadway project references and includes all state and federal roadways in the County for cooperation for widening or otherwise improving (SR 70 E, SR 70 W, SR 710 E, SR 78 W, US Highway 98 N, US 441 N, US Highway 441 S, US Highway 441 SE); removes outdated projects.  Updates LOS methodology to current FDOT standards. Revises backlogged segments list. Updates traffic volumes and conditions. Adds emphasis on new roadway network connections. Encourages new roadway connections to reduce congestion and improve reliability.

• Affordable Housing Coordination Policy amended: Expands coordination with partners; adds role of Affordable Housing Advisory Committee and clarifies incentives/funding strategies.
• Housing Standards & Code Enforcement amended: Updates reference to Florida Building Code (replaces outdated language).
• Infrastructure & Utilities Element updated: Sanitary Sewer, Solid Waste, Potable Water, Stormwater, Aquifer Recharge.
• Potable Water & Sewer Policy amended: Requires septic-to-sewer connection when available; adds nutrient-reducing septic standards.
• Water Conservation: Updates conservation goal language (removes outdated target year). Updates to Florida-Friendly landscaping and conservation practices.
• Recreation & Open Space Element updated: Clarifies ongoing maintenance of recreation land protection standards.

• Impact Fees & Cost Allocation amended: Updates impact fee language; removes outdated timeline and clarifies proportional cost approach. Adds requirement for annual reporting of impact fees to the State Public School Facilities Element.

• Updated wording throughout for updated accuracy and clarification. Removed outdated timelines. 

New/Updated Terms:

• “Farm Operation” (amended): Expanded to include agritourism activities and modern agricultural practices.
• “Solar Facility” (added): Defines solar energy production consistent with state statute.