I-4 Green Tech Corridor Takes Shape

In February 2008, the Board of County Commissioners asked the Hillsborough County City-County Planning Commission to conduct a study of the economic development potential of the Interstate-4 Corridor.  In partnership with Hillsborough County’s Planning and Growth Management Department, the Planning Commission conducted the study and produced an existing conditions analysis for BOCC information.  The Planning Commission also participated in the Hillsborough County Economic Stimulus Task Force due to the common goals of both projects.  In August, the BOCC revised the existing conditions report and the Planning Commission staff indicated that we proceed with a plan amendment.

Implementation steps to the Interstate-4 Economic Corridor Study include text and comprehensive plan map amendments to the Future Land Use Element of the Future of Hillsborough Comprehensive Plan, amendments to the Land Development Code, and the establishment of Joint Planning Areas with Plant City and Temple Terrace.  The plan amendment establishes the location where the overlay may be considered and sets forth performance criteria for proposed development, which is oriented to specific targeted industries as identified by the Interstate-4 Corridor Study.

In response to recommendations from the Hillsborough County Economic Stimulus Task Force, the I-4 Economic Corridor was rebranded as the I-4 Green Tech Corridor.  The purpose of the Green Tech Corridor policies are to diversify and expand the employment base in Hillsborough County in ways that increase medium income and high quality employment opportunities that achieve the County’s economic development, environmental and sustainability objectives. 

In the I-4 Corridor, Hillsborough County and the cities have the opportunity to attract high technology jobs that will capitalize on local educational resources, transportation infrastructure, utilities and a high quality of life.  Through emphasis on sustainable development and the creation of high quality jobs in a wide range of target industries, Hillsborough County can establish Florida’s “Green Technology Corridor” that serves as a model for long term regional economic vitality and environmental responsibility.    The corridor will not be limited to businesses that focus on creation of green products, though they are encouraged, but include a broad range of technology related businesses that are located within sustainable developments.

Development will be encouraged to utilize sustainable practices, including Florida-Friendly landscapes, sustainable construction techniques, mobility options, etc. The sustainability policies that are part of this text amendment have been written broadly enough that they can be applied on a countywide basis. 

The corridor is split into three planning areas:  the Urban Service Area, the Joint Planning Areas, and the Green Tech Expansion Area.  Within the Urban Service area and the Joint Planning Areas, areas have been identified where the Economic Development Overlay can be applied.  As part of the I-4 Study implementation, the zoning will be changed to a special I-4 Zoning District with property owner consent.  The Urban Service Area and the Joint Planning Areas have lower minimum sizes for sites as they are located in areas where water, wastewater, transportation, and other urban services are provided or planned.

In the Green Tech Expansion Area, the overall intent is to reserve that portion of the corridor for long-range future target industry development.  Currently, the Green Tech Expansion Area is located within the Rural Area; therefore, there are no urban services including water, wastewater, transportation and other services such as fire and police protection.  The Green Tech Corridor is envisioned as a second phase; however, if a proposed development can meet performance criteria, it may be considered by the BOCC through the rezoning process. 

Performance criteria for the Green Tech Corridor include the developer paying for all infrastructure, including roads, water and sewer, and other services required by urban-level developments, include fire and police protection.  Furthermore, there are design criteria that have to be met by any proposed development.  Finally, all developments in this area must conform to the adopted underlying community plan (if one is present).

The I-4 Green Tech Corridor standards will be linked to specialized zoning districts within the land development code that will address the unique circumstances of the corridor and the types of development that are envisioned for the corridor.  The Land Development Code will also be modified to include sustainability criteria that will incentivize green development along the corridor.  The sustainability criteria will be written in a manner that, if desired, can also be applied in other areas of the County.

For more information visit:  http://www.theplanningcommission.org/hillsborough/hillsboroughevents/i-4-corridor-study