What’s the Purpose of DRC?

The purpose of the Development Review Committee (DRC) is to review site plans for specific types of development to ensure compliance with all appropriate land development regulations (LDRs) and consistency with the Comprehensive Plan.

There are three (3) types of development review:

1. Preliminary site plan or PD Concept plan: represents a general acceptance of the site plan and places appropriate conditions on the approval to ensure LDR compliance.
   
2. Final site plan or PD Final detail plan:  indicates an acceptance of the site plan by the development review committee and the BCC and authorizes issuance of a building permit upon the applicant complying with all conditions of final approval.
   
3. Modification of plans: Any proposed amendment, deviation or change to an approved final site plan or an approved final detail plan must be reviewed by the zoning official to determine whether the proposed change constitutes a minor or major modification. These changes include:
   
• Additions, deletions
• Changes in use
• Changes in density
• Changes in location of structures
• Other modifications that the Zoning Official determines to be major when they substantially deviate from an approved site plan.

The Development Review Committee is composed of members that are designated by the County Administrator to review site plans for preliminary and final approval, as well as PD approval, for recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners. These designated county officials represent various departments within the county. Their primary function is to review site plans/planned developments for compliance with county ordinance/regulations.

It may be to your advantage to contact the Development Review Committee members prior to submission of your application.

The Development Review Committee

What’s A Site Plan?

A site plan is the development plan for one (1) or more lots which shows the existing and proposed conditions of the lot, including; topography, vegetation, drainage, floodplains, waterways, open spaces, walkways, means of ingress and egress, utility services, landscaping, structures and signs, lighting, screening devices, and other information that reasonably may be required in order that an informed decision can be made by the approving authority. Site Plan review shall be required for development activities including but not limited to the following:

1. If the total number of residential dwelling units exceeds six (6).
   
   
2. If the total square footage of nonresidential buildings exceeds six thousand (6,000) square feet or twenty-five thousand (25,000) square feet for development in the Enterprise Charlotte Airport Park zoning district.
   
   
3. If the planned development (PD) process as set forth in section 3-9-49 is being used in accordance with procedure.
   
   
4. Any facility, either new or modified, or remodeled which has a pickup window, drive-thru facility for vehicles, regardless of size.
   
   
5. Any subdivision or new development located within the Surface Water Protection Overlay District as designated in the Comprehensive Plan.
   
   
6. Certain development proposals which the zoning official may require to be reviewed when one (1) or more of the following are met.

a. High traffic hazard locations

b. Structures added onto previously unreviewed / unapproved developments.

c.  Expansion of existing developments which would exceed six thousand (6,000) square feet in total when completed.

d. Unanticipated types of development which are unusual to the area.

The applicant or his agent shall complete the appropriate application form available through the link below or in the Charlotte County Growth Management Department, Room B-105, Charlotte County Administration Center, 18500 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte, FL 33948. All pertinent information shall be provided on the application and shall be as detailed as possible.

Once the application is submitted to the Development Review Division it will be reviewed for completeness. Submitting all items shown on the checklist included in this packet, unless not applicable for the development, will assure a complete application. If the application is found to be insufficient, the applicant or his agent will be notified and be responsible for supplying additional information and/or clarification prior to placing the application on the next available Development Review Committee agenda.

Preliminary and final site plan review may be made separately or simultaneously, while a major modification is heard only once by the DRC, unless it is continued. The completed application shall be submitted to the Development Review Committee with twelve (12) sets of signed and sealed plans folded and packaged into complete packets which shall include:

a) Survey

b) Engineered plans

c) Building elevations & Building floor plans

d) Letters of commitment from providing utility company

e) Landscape plans

f) Environmental Surveys (Required State & Federal Permits)

g) Any other pertinent information required by Charlotte County Zoning Code Section 3-9-5.1.

Are there any fees due at the time of submitting the application?

     Yes, the applicable fees (cost is assessed per application) for a  Review Committee site plan review are as follows:

The Development Review Committee meets every Thursday at 1:00 P.M. in Room 119, 18500 Murdock Circle, Building A, Port Charlotte, FL 33948. A letter confirming the Development Review Committee's decision is mailed to the applicant and the applicant's agent, usually within one week after the meeting.