EAR-based Comprehensive Plan Amendments
EAR stands for Evaluation and Appraisal Report. The EAR, is a required part of the State growth management process and could be generally defined as a mechanism for determining whether the goals, objectives and policies of the County's Comprehensive Growth Management Plan are being met, and if not, what changes are in order. State Statute requires each local government to evaluate its Comprehensive Plan. This requirement is found in Local Government Comprehensive Planning and Land Development Regulation Act, often referred to as the "Growth Management Act." The EAR is required every seven years but must be adopted according to a schedule determined by the Florida Department of Community Affairs (DCA).

Martin County completed and adopted its Evaluation and Appraisal Report on July 15, 2008. The Department of Community Affairs issued a sufficiency determination on September 23, 2008 and found the Martin County Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR) sufficient. The DCA Sufficiency Letter is the final determination on the report.

The EAR Report is not just a status report but also outlines any changes, i.e., amendments, to the Comprehensive Plan that may be warranted. In essence, every Element of the Plan will have some EAR-based amendments. Ear-based amendments must be completed within 18 months of the date the EAR is found sufficient, in accordance with Chapter 163.3191(10), Florida Statutes. The County must adopt its EAR-based amendments by March 23, 2010. On September 30, 2008 the Board adopted a resolution to initiate all the EAR-based amendments.

Public comment on the EAR-based amendment and the process is welcome. Direct your comments to: Nicki van Vonno, AICP, Growth Management Director, 2401 SE Monterey Road, Stuart, FL 34996 or e-mailed here: Nicki van Vonno