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Staff propose zoning code updates on unrelated‑occupant limits, green incentives and outdoor seating
Summary
Community Development presented a package of zoning code housekeeping and policy proposals including a cap on unrelated occupants in single‑family homes, voluntary green‑building permit incentives, clearer outdoor seating rules and planned‑residential‑development (PRD) waiver language.
Tequesta — At a March 31 workshop the Community Development director presented a set of proposed zoning code updates spanning occupancy limits, green‑building incentives, outdoor seating standards and waivers for planned residential developments.
Jay Hubbsch summarized the draft changes as largely housekeeping plus targeted policy additions: (1) a cap on the number of unrelated people who may live in a single‑family dwelling, (2) a voluntary green‑building incentive program (reduced permit fees or expedited review tied to certification), (3) standards for outdoor seating such as required screening or bollards to separate seating from drive aisles, and (4) adding waiver authority to the PRD code so planned developments can seek limited exceptions to dimensional or design standards.
Why it matters: The changes aim to clarify existing regulations, provide optional incentives for energy and water efficiency, improve pedestrian safety in commercial outdoor dining areas, and give designers flexibility in planned developments while protecting adjacent properties.
The occupancy item drew particular attention: staff noted several nearby municipalities limit unrelated occupants to three or fewer; council members discussed a two‑person cap (two unrelated adults) as an option and asked staff to draft precise language. On green building, staff proposed a tiered permit fee rebate tied to third‑party certification (LEED, Florida Green Building Coalition, National Green Building Standards, Energy Star) with higher rebates for higher certification levels and an escrow/refund approach so refunds would be issued only after certification is achieved.
Council supported clearer outdoor‑seating rules to require screening or protective elements for street‑level dining and the addition of PRD waiver language (excluding waivers for height, density and environmentally sensitive lands). Staff said most of the proposed edits are zoning‑code housekeeping and do not require comprehensive‑plan changes.
Ending: Staff will refine draft amendments (including specific occupancy limits and a draft fee‑rebate structure tied to certification tiers) and return with legislative language for council consideration.
