CLAY COUNTY MASTER PLANS
BACKGROUND SUMMARY

The Comprehensive Plan projects future population growth for the County. At the time Clay County adopted its Comprehensive Plan in January 1992, Branan Field Road was not funded, and the area now known as the Branan Field Sector Plan was considered rural with no extraordinary growth projected.

However in 1998, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) funded the Branan Field Road construction in their five-year work program. The Clay County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) acknowledged that with the construction of Branan Field Road would come pressures to develop and the character of the community would be more likely to change to accommodate future population demands. Recognizing the need to plan in advance of growth, the BCC funded two studies for the development of plans that would meet the additional needs brought on by the construction of Branan Field Road and the possible extension of Branan Field Road to the south.

The study, known as the Branan Field Corridor Master Development Plan (BF Development Plan), began in April 1998 and was completed in August 1998. The study, prepared by members of the community and the County’s consultant created a vision for a variety of land uses to accommodate anticipated growth with areas such as residential, mix-use community development, commercial, retail, light industrial, and active and passive recreation. The plan also included a phasing schedule for development and established criteria for the provision of a local road network, schools, parks, libraries, and other public facilities. It also addressed how those facilities would be funded and by whom.

The BF Development Plan was adopted by the BCC in April 2000 as a conceptual overlay under the Sector Plan legislation. The sector plan process encompasses two levels. First is the adoption of the conceptual overlay. Second is the adoption of a Specific Area Plan (SAP). The SAP converts the conceptual land uses, development standards and infrastructure needs depicted on the conceptual overlay to available development rights. Adoption of the SAP will activate development rights associated with the Branan Field land uses.

Preparation of the second study, the Lake Asbury Master Plan (LAMP), began in 2000. Like the Branan Field Plan, the LAMP is a community based plan that establishes land uses and criteria for the provision of public facilities. This plan, however, is not guided by the sector plan legislation. Development rights will be activated upon the adoption of Land Development Regulations to guide development within the LAMP.

(FDOT completed construction of Branan Field Road from Old Jennings north to 103rd Street in September 2001.) Both the Branan Field SAP and LAMP will be transmitted to the Department of Community Affairs in late November. Adoption of the master plan amendments is anticipated to be May 2002.