Industry Issues

Construction is one of the most regulated industries in the world. And, it is one of the few industries regulated on a local level.  Many of the regulations are necessary to protect the health and safety of the people who live and work in the buildings.  However, many of them are overly restrictive and many are totally unnecessary.  Most all regulations, good or bad, increase construction costs, sometimes dramatically affecting the price of housing and the ability of small businesses to exist.

That’s when the Builders Association of North Central Florida and other like organizations get involved.  Improving the affordability of housing and commercial buildings in our community is one of BANCF’s primary goals.  Every citizen should have the opportunity to open a small business, expand a business, and experience the American Dream of Homeownership.

BANCF is constantly monitoring local, state, and federal governments on your behalf.  This is accomplished through the many volunteers who work on the various Governmental Affairs Committees.  Listed below are some of the issues and activities BANCF is involved in.  If you know of an issue that needs to appear here, or you would like to participate, call the BANCF Office, 352-372-5649 or email.


Comprehensive Plans and the EAR Process
Alachua County Energy Conservation Strategies Commission (ECSC)
Impact Fees
City & County Codes Liaison Meetings
GRU Liaison Meetings
Other Research Documents & Links


Comprehensive Plans and the EAR Process

Alachua County Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR)
The State of Florida’s Growth Management Act requires each local government to adopt an Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR) once every seven years. The purpose of the EAR is to assess progress in implementing the local government’s Comprehensive Plan and provide recommendations for revision and update of the Plan.

Alachua County has begun the EAR process by identifying around a dozen issues that they will address.  The county is due to start public workshops on the EAR in January or February of 2009.

Here is a link to the Alachua County website for information about the EAR Process, issues, and schedule of meetings.  

The ECSC recently made its report to the Alachua County Commission. The report includes strategies to make Alachua County more energy resilient and sustainable community.  Read the final report here:
Impact Fees
 
 
Calculate your impact fees online through the county’s website.  A schedule of the current fees along with information on how they are determined can be found here as well.  

City & County Codes Liaison Meetings
 
 
City & County Codes Liaison Meetings are open to all BANCF Members. They are held the 1st and 2nd Mondays of the month with the city meeting the first Monday and the county meeting the second. Staffs from the Building Department, Planning Department, and Public Works join BANCF members for an informative sharing of information and ideas.  If you are interested in signing up to attend these meetings, sign up here.

GRU Liaison Meetings
 
 
BANCF Members meet with staff from the departments at GRU dealing with electrical, gas, water, & wastewater. These meetings are held 3 times a year and are open to all BANCF members.  If you would like to sign up to attend these meetings, sign up here.

Other Documents and Links of Interest
 
Comprehensive Plans
 
All local governments in Florida are required to adopt a comprehensive plan. The Department of Community Affairs is responsible for review of comprehensive plans and amendments to the comprehensive plans for consistency with state law. The Department reviews both proposed amendments submitted by the local government and amendments once adopted. Read more at the Department of Community Affairs.
 
Links to information on Comprehensive Plans for the counties and municipalities in BANCF jurisdiction
 
City of Gainesville Planning Department

Alachua County Growth Management Department

City of Alachua

City of Newberry (under construction)

City of High Springs

Dixie County
Comprehensive Planning Dept:
(352) 336-2200
 
Gilchrist County
Building Department:
(352) 463-3198
 
Levy County
Courthouse:
(352) 486-5100
 
Madison County
Building Department:
(850) 973-6785

Local Report Shows That Growth Pays for Itself

A study conducted by economists at the University of Florida concluded that new development in Alachua County pays much more than its share of public infrastructure costs.  Read the study here:  (link to PDF)