The Process
Development of Regional Impact
The DRI process came into existence in 1972 with the passage of the Florida Environmental and Land Management Act, now in Chapter 380, Florida Statutes.
In Pasco County, a development of more than 2,000 residential dwelling units is considered a Development of Regional Impact (DRI). As a DRI, SunWest Harbourtowne must submit to additional reviews of the proposed development and evaluation of its impacts to the region.
The regional issues that are analyzed in the DRI process include:
- Water quality
- Transportation
- Wildlife habitat
- Air quality
- Education
- Wetlands
- Stormwater management
- Hurricane preparedness
- Police and fire rescue
- Health care
- Archeological preservation
- Energy conservation
To make sure all of the issues are addressed, a variety of statewide and regional agencies review the DRI including:
- Florida Department of Environmental Protection
- Florida Department of Community Affairs
- Southwest Florida Water Management District
- Florida Department of Transportation
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
- Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization
- Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council
- Hernando County
- Withlacoochee Regional Planning Council
In addition, Pasco County departments involved in the review include:
- Growth Management Division
- Public Works Department
- Parks and Recreation Department
- County Utilities Department
- Pasco County School Board
Permitting
The following are required permits for SunWest Harbourtowne and the regional Pasco County Park.
Joint permitting for Pasco County Park
- Dredging of access channel and canal
- Permits will be issued by both the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE)
Permitting for Pasco County Park
- Park infrastructure (parking and facilities)
- Permits will be issued by FDEP, including stormwater permitting and permitting of the boat ramps
Permitting for SunWest Harbourtowne
- Development of Regional Impact (DRI)
- Conceptual Environmental Resource Permit (CERP)
- A joint Environmental Resource Permit will be issued by both FDEP and ACOE, and will cover the conceptual plan for the entire community, including residential and commercial
Timeline
SunWest Harbourtowne is scheduled for completion in one phase, with build out in 2018. Building will begin in 2009.
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