The Venice City Council on Oct. 14 approved on first reading an ordinance to rezone about 60.44 acres at 2124 and 2413 Knights Trail Road from Commercial General (CG) and Commercial Intensive (CI) to the Knights Trail mixed-use zoning district.

The rezoning petition (25-42RZ), filed by the agent Jackson Boone for owner CSP Grand Oaks Venice 1 LLC, was presented at a public hearing after staff analysis and public notice. Senior planner Britney Smith told the council the property is in the Knights Trail neighborhood and that staff found the petition consistent with applicable comprehensive plan strategies and the city's land development code.

Smith said the parcels were rezoned to CG and CI in 2022 before the city's land development regulations update and that the applicant requested the Knights Trail district as the implementing district envisioned for the property.

In his remarks, Jackson Boone, the applicant's agent, said the owner's decision to pursue Knights Trail zoning was driven in part by marketing considerations and the district's role in the city's zoning update. Boone noted existing development approvals on the site, including a site and development plan authorizing 630 multifamily units, which he said remain valid through 2028.

Staff's presentation compared standards under CG/CI and the proposed Knights Trail district. Key differences discussed included the Knights Trail district's architectural requirements (absent under CG/CI), a wider allowable building coverage range (roughly 10% to 75%), and a by-right height of 35 feet with a possible height exception to 46 feet. Smith cautioned the coverage range reflected the district standard and would not itself commit the applicant to a specific coverage figure.

No members of the public spoke on the petition. After council questions and brief discussion, a councilmember moved approval and it was seconded by Councilmember Engelke. The motion passed unanimously on an electronic vote.

The ordinance (2025-34) was approved on first reading and scheduled for final reading; council and staff indicated there is sufficient record for a final decision.