Wednesday, December 05, 2012 - Regular Planning ... - Polk County

A. Surface Water:
Charlie Creek runs through the property but trail riding through the creek is not proposed or
anticipated. The main trail access to the new acreage from the existing 82 acre site is across a small
bridge/cattle crossing.
B. Wetlands/Floodplains:
There are numerous wetlands and floodplains on the site according to the County GIS system. No
structures are planned to be placed in them according to the site plan submitted. The applicant does
not proposed any impacts to wetland areas.
C. Wells (Public/Private):
There is an agricultural well onsite (at the original 82 acre portion of the site) that is proposed to be
used for rinsing off-road vehicles after leaving the recreation areas of the site.
D. Airports:
This property does not lie within the airport buffer zone of any major airports within Polk County;
however, numerous airplanes flew over the site during the two site visits that staff conducted.
E. Protected Species
This site, and the surrounding immediate area (with the exception of the Charlie Creek watershed to
the east), has been used for agriculture for decades. While this area of the County provides habitat for
a tremendous amount of flora and fauna, the site is not within a one mile radius of a protected animal
or plant species sightings according to the Florida Natural Areas Inventory.
Economic Factors:
Demand for areas designated for off-road vehicle usage has increased over the past decade. This is a
growing recreational industry, for which there is a need to provide designated and legally established
and permitted areas for enthusiasts. The infrastructure demands and economic returns from this use
are minimal. Patrons use the facilities during the day, and while some stay overnight at the
campground, most purchases are likely associated with convenience items, such as food and gas (the
nearest station is approximately 10 miles away), in preparation for their activities. However, the
combination of this conditional use in the center of the County, River Ranch on the east side of the
County, and other facilities such as the County facility in the western portion of the County each
contribute to an increase in the number of off-road vehicle/motorcycle/ATV dealerships and sales
within and surrounding Polk County.
Consistency with Comprehensive Plan:
The level of service demand associated with the proposed use is consistent with the Rural
Development Area (RDA) goals, objectives, and policies within the Comprehensive Plan. While the
RDA does not provide services that will support dense development, recreational uses in areas that
are located with appropriate roadway infrastructure are appropriate because they generally do not
require constant service support. This use is ideal for the RDA and, because it provides a location for
DRC Findings/Recommendation Page 7 of 12
Level 3/TDW 11/21/2012 2:06:53 PM CU 11-04M December 5, 2012