Background:
Pursuant to Chapter 163.3174(4)(c), Florida Statutes, the City Commission (acting as the Local Planning Agency) is required to hold a duly advertised public hearing in order to review and make recommendations to the governing body as to the consistency of a proposed amendment to the City's Land Development Code with the adopted Comprehensive Plan. There is not an anticipated increased financial impact on the cost of residential housing as a result of the proposed Land Development Code revision.
The City recognizes the ability to process development applications in an efficient manner is an important factor in attracting and maintaining economic development throughout the City, not only for new development but for redevelopment and infill development. Continuing to evaluate opportunities to streamline the site plan process is ongoing process and this item is a result of such process.
On September 10, 2024, the City adopted Ordinance No. 402-24-G, which created the small-scale site plan procedures. City staff has reviewed the effectiveness of the small-scale site plan procedures and recommend to amend one of the three categories when a project is eligible to utilize small-scale site plan procedures, specifically the general category when a site plan can be processed per the small-scale site plan procedures.
In order for a site plan application to be processed per the small-scale site plan procedures under the general category, there are four criteria that have to be met. The proposed ordinance is to amend one of these criteria, more specifically for the site plan to be for a net land area of one (1) acre or less to a net area of two (2) acres or less. All other criteria previously established for small-scale site plan procedures will remain.
In addition, the proposed ordinance includes a revision to Section 16-39 of the Land Development Code to align the master development plan approval procedure with the large-scale site plan review procedures as it should be.
The proposed Land Development Code amendment is consistent with the Goals, Objectives and Policies of the City’s adopted Comprehensive Plan and necessary for the preservation of the public health, safety, and welfare of the City’s residents.
Staff recommends adoption of the proposed Land Development Code amendment.
For more information on this item, please contact the Community Development Department staff member identified below.