TO: Board of County Commissioners
THROUGH: John Titkanich, Jr.; County Administrator
FROM: Chris Balter; Planning and Development Services Director
DATE: May 27, 2025
SUBJECT: Ordinance Establishing a One-Year Temporary Moratorium on Zoning
Changes and Comprehensive Plan Amendments in the Oslo Corridor Study
Area
__________________________________________________________________
It is requested that the data and recommendations herein be given formal consideration by the Board of County Commissioners at its regular meeting scheduled for June 17, 2025.
BACKGROUND
At its May 20, 2025, meeting, the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) identified the need for comprehensive planning and regulatory updates tailored to the Oslo Corridor, a high-interest development area currently lacking cohesive land use designations and design standards consistent with the County’s long-term vision.
To support a structured and coordinated planning approach, staff has drafted the attached ordinance imposing a one-year temporary moratorium on zoning changes and comprehensive plan amendments within the unincorporated portions of Indian River County designated as the Oslo Corridor Study Area.
The purpose of the moratorium is to provide staff with the necessary time to:
- Evaluate and revise Future Land Use (FLU) designations;
- Develop corridor-specific development guidelines; and
- Establish architectural and urban design standards to ensure cohesive growth.
Temporary moratoria are recognized as best practices in planning and zoning, allowing jurisdictions to pause uncoordinated development while sound policies and regulatory frameworks are crafted. The proposed ordinance is consistent with Florida law and aligns with guidance from the American Planning Association.
BUDGETARY IMPACT
Legal advertising costs required for public notice will be funded through the existing Planning and Development Services Department advertising budget.
PREVIOUS BOARD ACTIONS
On May 20, 2025, the Board of County Commissioners took key steps regarding the Oslo Corridor Study Area:
- Urban Service Boundary (USB) Expansion - The Board directed the Planning and Development Services Director to expand the USB westward along Oslo Road/9th Street SW to include the area between 58th Avenue SW and 74th Avenue SW, bounded by 5th Street SW to the north and 13th Street SW to the south. A further extension was approved west to 98th Avenue SW with the same north-south boundaries.
- Temporary Moratorium - To facilitate comprehensive planning and high-quality development, the Board approved a one-year temporary moratorium on rezoning requests and land use changes within the newly defined Oslo Corridor.
- Overlay District Establishment - The Board directed staff to prepare for the establishment of an Oslo Corridor Overlay District. This overlay will cover the area from 58th Avenue SW to 98th Avenue SW, bounded north by 5th Street SW and south by 13th Street SW, and will introduce corridor-specific zoning, design, and development criteria.
POTENTIAL FUTURE BOARD ACTIONS
The following items will be brought forward for formal consideration by the Planning and Zoning Commission and then the BCC:
1. Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment - USB Expansion
Staff will initiate a map amendment to expand the USB to include the Oslo Corridor from 58th Avenue SW to 98th Avenue SW, between 5th Street SW and 13th Street SW. This area totals approximately 2,180.3 acres and is strategically located near the future Oslo Road/I-95 interchange. The amendment will accommodate projected growth, enhance infrastructure planning, and support economic development.
2. Ordinance - Oslo Corridor Overlay District
An ordinance will be drafted to create the Oslo Corridor Overlay District. The overlay will introduce specific regulations on zoning, permitted uses, architectural design, landscaping, and site layout to promote visually cohesive, well-planned development aligned with community and corridor objectives.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
N/A
OTHER PLAN ALIGNMENT
This initiative supports the goals of the Indian River County Comprehensive Plan and aligns with the County’s Land Development Regulations. The Oslo Corridor planning process advances the County’s objectives for sustainable growth, responsible land use, and strategic infrastructure investment.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners approve the attached ordinance establishing a one-year temporary moratorium on zoning changes and comprehensive plan amendments within the Oslo Corridor Study Area.