overview
Building better communities through smart planning
At eda consultants, inc., we believe that thoughtful land planning is the foundation for thriving communities. For nearly half a century, our multidisciplinary firm has been proudly providing expert urban planning services across North Central Florida, helping public and private clients shape sustainable and functional environments for the future.
Our team of three AICP-certified planners brings over 100 years of combined experience to every project, ensuring a deep understanding of local codes, comprehensive plans, and the unique needs of our diverse communities.
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approach
Land planning at eda is a collaborative process. We work closely with our clients, other professional disciplines, regulatory agencies, and the public to ensure projects not only meet your specific goals but also enhance the communities we serve. Our approach is built on:
Understanding Your Vision & Thorough Analysis
We begin by deeply understanding your project’s scope, priorities, and desired outcomes. Our initial steps involve thorough data collection, investigation of existing conditions, and coordination with key stakeholders to gather critical input, laying a strong foundation for your project.
Guiding Through Complex Processes
We make a dedicated effort to ensure you understand the planning and zoning processes in your area. We guide your project efficiently through regulatory pathways, working to ensure timely development and compliance with all applicable local ordinances and building codes. This includes providing essential due diligence for regulatory adherence.
Expert Navigation of Local Governance
Our seasoned professionals are well-versed in the intricate details of city and county ordinances and regulations. We leverage our understanding of local government dynamics, including ethics and politics, to effectively represent your interests at city and county review board meetings and public hearings, aiming to secure project approvals and safeguard your reputation.
Tailored and Efficient Solutions
We “right-size” our approach to meet the unique needs of each individual project, whether minor or major. We continually prioritize functionality, cost-effectiveness, and efficiency, ensuring our solutions are practical, budget-conscious, and contribute positively to the community.
core services
eda provides a comprehensive suite of land planning services designed to guide your project through every stage of development:
Comprehensive Plan Amendments & Updates
We assist with city-wide community development strategies, goals, and initiatives, ensuring your plans are current and compliant with state requirements.
Feasibility Studies
Our team prepares thorough reports to determine the “highest and best use” of your property, covering technical aspects like site conditions and utilities, environmental factors, and regulatory requirements such as zoning.
Rezoning & Land Development Code Amendments
Our experts provide recommendations for zoning changes, interpret zoning codes, and prepare and implement necessary code updates to align with your development objectives.
Master Planning & Site Design
We develop conceptual master plans and detailed site designs, assessing development potential and creating functional, aesthetically pleasing layouts that respect the surrounding environment.
Application Review
We serve as an extension of municipal staff, managing all aspects of planning applications, ensuring compliance with local, federal, and state regulations. This includes direct communication with applicants and preparing necessary staff reports for review boards.
Public Interface & Expert Testimony
Our team is experienced in representing clients at public hearings, attending meetings with elected officials and the public, and providing expert witness testimony when required to defend property rights or development plans.
Planning Studies & Reports
We prepare a variety of studies, exhibits, statistical compilations, and reports, leveraging available Geographic Information System (GIS) information for detailed analysis and presentation.
the eda difference
proven experience
With nearly five decades of experience, eda has successfully completed hundreds of projects across North Central Florida, ranging from large-scale master-planned developments to targeted urban revitalization efforts. Our diverse portfolio includes significant projects such as the Gainesville Regional Airport Master Plan, the San Felasco Tech City mixed-use development, and numerous Comprehensive Plan Updates for counties and municipalities throughout the region.
We serve as on-call consultants for several local units of government under continuing services contracts. These clients trust us to serve as an extension of their Planning Department and act in their best interests.
projects
faqs
What is the difference between land planning and civil engineering?
Land planning is sometimes also known as land use planning, regional planning, urban planning, and urban design. It focuses on the overall layout, functionality, and regulatory feasibility of a project—how the land can best be used within local codes and community goals.
Each community is divided into parcels, or pieces, of land. The use of each parcel of land is guided by the community’s zoning code. The zoning code is a set of rules that defines what each land parcel could or should be used for (such as housing, manufacturing, or open space). Civil engineers work within the framework laid out by the land use and zoning regulations to design all site-related infrastructure— grading and drainage systems, stormwater management facilities, roadways, parking areas, water and wastewater utilities. At eda, both disciplines work together seamlessly under one roof, which means no handoff gap or design surprises.
When should land planning begin in a development project?
Our AICP-certified planners have decades of experience navigating complex local ordinances and land development codes across North Central Florida. We deal with local zoning rules and development codes every day, so we know how to spot issues early and how to navigate the approval process. We can review your project for potential red flags, prepare the required applications and reports, talk with staff at the relevant agencies, and represent you at public hearings to ensure that your project moves efficiently from concept to approval.
How can eda help with zoning and permitting challenges?
Our AICP-certified planners have decades of experience navigating complex local ordinances and land development codes across North Central Florida. We represent clients at public hearings, coordinate with regulatory agencies, and prepare documentation to ensure that projects move efficiently from concept to approval.
What is the difference between Zoning and Future Land Use?
Future Land Use (FLU) provides a strategic, long-term vision for a community’s growth and development. It defines the general types of activities allowed in an area, such as “residential,” “commercial,” or “agricultural”. Zoning is divided up into more detailed uses that support very specific types of development. For example, in Alachua County, the Commercial FLU designation is broken up into many Zoning districts, including BR (supports Retail uses), and BW (supports Warehouse uses).Zoning code also details specific rules, such as building height, setbacks, lot coverage, and the exact types of uses permitted in a zone.
eda’s planners can help you determine what the zoning and future land use of your property can allow. We can also assist you in changing those designations if necessary.