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November, '04: Part 2

Comprehensive Planning

The comprehensive plan steering committee agreed at a special meeting November 10 to proceed with immediate amendments to the town’s plan to encourage new development of transient tourist facilities.

The amendments would increase the number of units that could be built in the tourist zone on the west side of Gulf Boulevard to 50 per acre, subject to a development agreement that would control design and assure tourist use. Current town laws regulating height, land coverage and other elements that affect the size of a structure would remain the same.

The amendments to the town plan are a first step in the effort to protect the tourist uses that currently exist in the town. This was one of the primary goals cited by residents in a survey that preceded the steering committee’s work. In addition to changes in the town plan, new legislation will be developed that will define a popular new class of tourist facility known as condo hotels. Other legislation will create design standards and authorize the town to enter into development agreements with developers.

Officials felt this issue demanded immediate attention because of increased activity along the beaches where tourist facilities are being sold and converted to condominiums. In many instances, developers have said the conversions are the only options open to them under current unit restrictions. Some have indicated they would prefer a condo hotel, which provides more units of smaller size and are limited to transient use.

The steering committee heard from county planners that 50 per acre is compatible with the county’s comprehensive plan, and could provide the proper ratio vs. condo units to make a project economically feasible. The State Department of Community Affairs must approve the change before it can take effect. The steering committee’s action authorizes planning staff to prepare materials for state review and approval.

If the plan changes are authorized at the state level, both the Planning and Zoning Board and the Town Commission will hold public hearings on the amendments and any new legislation before they are enacted.

The steering committee is made up of commissioners and members of the Planning & Zoning Board. A smaller work group meets on a regular basis with planners to work on plan details, but the committee handles major policy issues.

New Laws

The commission passed six ordinances at its regular meeting on November 12 after each was presented for second reading and a public hearing.

Three ordinances dealt with building permits and were designed to bring town rules and procedures in line with those of the county, which handles the town’s permits. One of the changes establishes a time limit on variances that are granted to property owners by the Planning & Zoning Board. The town time limit will be the same as the county’s, which right now is one year.

Property owners who may have received a variance that they have not yet acted upon should take note. They will have 60 days to register with the town if they want the full year allowed by the new law to implement the variance. If they fail to register, the variance will expire after 60 days. If there is a question, call the town clerk at 391-4848.

The commission also amended the land development regulations on site plan review. Reviews will now be required of all new developments in the light commercial and commercial tourist zones as well as the residential/multi-family zone. And the Planning & Zoning Board will provide initial review with subsequent approval by the town commission.

Finally, the commission acted on elections. It exempted the town from providing an early voting site for municipal elections here, but agreed to contract with the Supervisor of Elections so that residents can vote early in a town election at one of the county sites.

The next election for town officials will be held March 8, 2005. The mayor and commission seats 1 and 2 will be on the ballot. Anyone interested in running will have to file papers with the town clerk between December 6 and December 17, 2004. An election packet that includes all necessary forms and instructions is available from the clerk at Town Hall.