§ 134-82. Purpose and intent.

(a)

The comprehensive plan is intended to function as a guiding document implemented through applicable codes, ordinances, manuals, and similar regulating documents, consistent with F.S. ch. 163. The goals, objectives, policies and strategies of the comprehensive plan shall enable staff and policy-makers to:

(1)

Consider long-term impacts and evaluate policy decisions to ensure that they support a sustainable future.

(2)

Create and enhance safe, healthy communities that attract and retain a socially and culturally diverse population.

(3)

Facilitate a strong local economy that supports sustainable, healthy communities and enhances employment opportunities and the quality of life for its citizens.

(4)

Provide a range of housing options to meet the needs of a diverse and intergenerational community.

(5)

Provide an interconnected, resilient multimodal transportation network that safely, efficiently and equitably addresses the mobility needs of all citizens, visitors, and businesses, while simultaneously minimizing opportunities for traffic related fatalities and injuries.

(6)

Protect the diverse ecosystem that makes up the county's natural resources and contributes to the county's public health, quality of life and local economy.

(7)

Promote the advancement of best practices and technologies that benefit the economy, healthy communities, and the public health, safety and welfare.

(8)

Recognize opportunities for responsible regionalism and promote inter-coordination with the county's municipalities, community organizations and regional entities.

(b)

The Pinellas County Comprehensive Plan, and those elements thereto are also established with specific objectives and policies to achieve the following:

(1)

To preserve, promote, protect, and improve the public health, safety, comfort, good order, appearance, convenience, law enforcement, fire prevention, and general welfare;

(2)

To ensure that the existing rights of property owners be preserved in accord with the constitutions of the state and of the United States.

(c)

Nothing in this article or the comprehensive plan adopted in this article, or in the land use regulations adopted consistent with the requirements of this article, shall be construed or applied so as to result in an unconstitutional temporary or permanent taking of private property or the abrogation of validly existing vested rights.

(Ord. No. 18-36 , § 3(Att. A), 10-23-18)