The Hallandale Beach Planning and Zoning Board on Oct. 16 unanimously recommended an ordinance that would amend Chapter 32 to designate the planning director as the administrative authority to review and approve plats and replats, implementing requirements of state law that took effect July 1, 2025.

Planning staff said Senate Bill 784 requires local governments to name an administrative authority to process plats and replats. Christie Dominguez said the proposed amendment designates the director of sustainable development (as defined in the code) to receive, review and process plat applications, reducing multi‑tier review and removing the need for Planning & Zoning Board and City Commission approval in routine cases while maintaining compliance with the city’s planning standards.

Dominguez told the board that although the director will process plats administratively, most plats will still be subject to staff technical review and to Broward County final recording requirements. Board members asked whether applicants could appeal an administrative denial and whether an administratively approved plat has a required timeframe for recording. Staff said denials are uncommon except when a plat would create nonconformances, that an appeal route likely exists under the city’s code and that staff would follow up with the city attorney for definitive language. Staff also said recording timing is typically left to the applicant and that the plat must still go through Broward County for final recording.

Board members requested staff clarify appeal language with the city attorney before the ordinance proceeds to the City Commission. After that clarification, a board member moved to recommend the ordinance as presented; a second followed and the board voted unanimously to recommend approval.

Votes at a glance: motion to recommend approval as presented — approved unanimously.