The Crystal River Community Development Code is effective for all submittals after January 9, 2025.
This proposed code replaces the previous Land Development Code following final adoption by the Crystal River City Council on December 9, 2024. For additional information, please contact the Crystal River Growth Management Department at 352-795-4216 Ext 308.
In June 2023, the City of Crystal River embarked on a transformative partnership with esteemed urban planning firm, Stringfellow Planning & Design. Together, they set out on a visionary project to shape the city's future through the development of a Form-Based Code that harmonizes with Crystal River's Civic Master Plan.
Where the City’s existing code takes a traditional approach with a focus on the use of the land, the new proposed form-based code seeks to establish a clear community character through the building “form” and the relationships that development has with the public.
The image above helps to demonstrate how the Form-Based Code envisions the City as various transect zones, each with varying standards to regulate the built environment in ways that impact how an area feels. Standards for each context or “transect zone” specify the desired character and development forms found along streets and public spaces, and prescribe the physical attributes of development, shaping the physical environment in a predictable way.
The goal is to ensure that development in the city is well-designed and responsive to the needs and goals of the community. The Form-Base Code will provide clear guidelines and standards for developers, property owners, and city officials, with the desire to create a vibrant and livable community that is attractive to residents, businesses, and visitors alike.
Public workshops were held on February 1, 2024, and February 26, 2024, to gather feedback on the proposed Form-Based Code. With those updates, the Form-Based Code was then presented to the Planning Commission for its recommendation to the City Council that will consider the item for final adoption.
Below are supporting documents in progression with the final adopted (12-09-2024) Form-Base Code and associated zoning map. The Planning Commission held a public hearing on September 19, 2024, at 5:30 p.m., and recommended approval. The City Council held its first public hearing on October 14, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. for comments of the proposed code and associated Future Land Use Amendment for transmittal to the State Department of Florida Commerce and other state agencies. Following a positive review from Florida Commerce and other state agencies, the City Council, at its December 9, 2024, public hearing, unanimously approved the new form-based code, now known as the Crystal River Community Development Code, along with the associated Future Land Use Element amendment. The Community Development Code is effective as of January 9, 2025.