Rancho Del Mar PUD
St. Johns County, FL

The Rancho Del Mar project is an approved residential Planned Unit Development (PUD) to be developed on 530.69 acres of land located west of SR 5 (US 1), south of Wildwood Drive, and north of Watson Road, in St. Johns County.  With sewer and water available, the PUD consists of 424 detached single-family lots, associated recreational amenities, and other common areas.

The 424 single-family detached residential lots are planned to range from approximately 63 to 100 feet in width and a minimum of 110 feet in depth.  The overall site design incorporates 253.48 acres (47.8%) of upland, of which 0.6 acres are within a historical easement, and 277.21 acres (52.2%) of wetland areas.

Currently the remaining uplands not incorporated into the original design as well as the remaining wetlands are being documented in order to establish a Regional Offsite Mitigation Area (ROMA). It is believed by LG2 Environmental Solutions, Inc. of St Augustine that there are 35 functional gain units available.

The property includes a historical easement dedicated to St. Johns County.  The historical easement is located in the northwest quadrant of the parcel and is comprised of a 100’ by 100’ easement around an existing historical marker and a 30’ wide access easement connecting from the 100’ x 100’ easement to the northern property boundary.  The historical marker is believed to identify the location of Chief Osceola’s capture site.  In the overall site design proposed, this historically significant site has been considered and preserved.  The site plan includes recreation and additional open space that surrounds the historical easement area. 

The intent is to implement Low Impact Development principles, where deemed economically feasible, that may include lowering irrigation usage, using retention ponds for irrigation water, proposing native plant material for planting areas, and/or using pervious concrete in parking areas.  The specific Low Impact Development Principles implemented will be determined at the time of construction plan approval.

It is anticipated that the design, character, and architectural style of the development will result in a unified, cohesive, and compatible plan of development in that it will:

  • Permit a creative approach to the development of the land and accomplish a more desirable environment than would be possible through the strict application of the minimum requirements of the Land Development Code, by adding lakes and recreational areas, while preserving almost all of the wetlands present on the site.
  • Provide an efficient use of the land, resulting in smaller networks of utilities and streets.
  • Enhance the appearance of neighborhoods through preservation of natural features, the provision of open space in excess of existing zoning and subdivision requirements.
  • Provide an environment of stable character compatible with surrounding residential areas due to the covenants and restrictions. A Homeowner’s Association and/or Community Development District will be formed to manage the subdivision and will own, manage, and maintain common areas including lakes, landscaping areas, etc.
  • Provide increased connectivity and accessibility based on the street network.