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What is Rural Lifestyle?

Rural Lifestyle is a designation in the Martin County Comprehensive Plan intended to provide guidelines for developing self-contained rural communities with an emphasis on maintaining and enhancing open space and protecting land and water.

Timeline

May 2023
The Governor and Cabinet found the rural lifestyle plan amendment in compliance with the Comprehensive Growth Management Plan on May 23, 2023. The Governor directed staff to draft and circulate a final order for approval. 

April 2023
The County reviewed the Recommended Order and on Monday, April 3, filed exceptions in the pending challenge to bring the Rural Lifestyle vision forward.

March 2023
On March 17, the judge issued a Recommended Order based on evidence presented at the hearing and found the petitioner had failed to prove the challenged items with one small exception - a proposed community store. 

December 2022
The text amendment was challenged, and an administrative hearing was held in December 2022 with the County and the petitioner providing evidence. 

September 2022
The Martin County Board of County Commissioners adopted a text amendment creating a new future land use designation within the Comprehensive Plan, referred to Rural Lifestyle.