Overview
Forward Pinellas provides technical assistance to local governments in updating their Comprehensive Plans through the Evaluation and Appraisal Review (EAR) process, as required by Chapter 163, Florida Statutes. These updates ensure that local plans remain current, internally consistent, and aligned with state requirements and the Countywide Plan.
Our staff works closely with municipal partners throughout the entire process, from initial review to final adoption, helping communities modernize their plans while maintaining their unique character and local priorities. This includes updating outdated policies, incorporating new statutory requirements, improving clarity and usability, and ensuring consistency with the Countywide Rules.
Our Approach
Forward Pinellas focuses on making comprehensive plans more clear, implementable, and better aligned with each community’s vision, without introducing regulatory burdens. Our goal is to streamline the update process, provide reliable technical expertise, and help local governments confidently move from draft to adoption.
How We Support Local Governments
Comprehensive Plan Review
Forward Pinellas conducts a detailed review of each local government’s Comprehensive Plan to identify outdated content, inconsistencies, and potential regulatory gaps. This includes evaluating the plan’s Goals, Objectives, and Policies (GOPs), Data and Analysis sections, and mapping components to ensure alignment with current conditions and planning practices.
Statutory Compliance
We ensure plans meet all requirements of Chapter 163, Florida Statutes, including newer mandates such as Peril of Flood provisions, Private Property Rights Elements, and long-range planning horizons.
Drafting EAR-Based Amendments
Our team prepares draft updates in strikeout/underline format, making it easy for local governments to review changes. This includes updated policy language, revised data and analysis, and new or corrected maps.
Coordination and Collaboration
We work directly with local government staff to refine drafts, gather input, and incorporate local knowledge. We also help facilitate community discussions, public/council/commission workshops, and presentations as needed throughout the process.
Public Hearing and Transmittal Support
Forward Pinellas assists with preparing for hearings of a community’s designated Local Planning Agency (LPA) and governing body, including presentation materials and coordination of required steps for transmittal to the State of Florida (FloridaCommerce).
State Review and Adoption Assistance
We coordinate the transmittal of amendments, track review timelines, and assist with responding to comments from state agencies. Our team supports local governments through final adoption and helps ensure all procedural requirements are met.