Planning Commission backs conservation designation for roughly 155 acres of county-owned natural areas

The Palm Beach County Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of county-initiated comprehensive-plan amendments to designate several county‑owned natural areas as Conservation.

Staff said the amendments apply to about 155 acres of county natural areas, including Cypress Creek, Hungryland Slough, Pine Glades and the Palm Beach Heights (Palmar EcoSite) property. Timothy Haines, principal planner in the Resources Protection Division, told commissioners the changes are intended to align the comprehensive plan and zoning with county ownership and the preservation purpose of the parcels.

The planning assessment presented by staff concluded the requested amendments further the goals of the conservation element and state statutes, are compatible with adjacent conservation lands and meet comprehensive-plan requirements. Staff recommended approval.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about whether neighboring Martin County had taken similar actions; staff said this request applied only to county‑owned lands and that Martin County may have separate processes for its properties.

No public speakers signed up. A motion to recommend approval was made and seconded; the commission voted unanimously to forward the amendments to the Board of County Commissioners with a recommendation of approval.

The changes are procedural amendments to future land use and a companion zoning amendment will be considered by the Board of County Commissioners.