City Commission debate narrows East Stewart code changes; vice mayor moves to require public notice for larger projects

City of Stuart — The City Commission spent hours debating proposed changes to the city’s land development code for the East Stewart neighborhood, with Vice Mayor Collins asking the commission to require a conditional‑use review — including public notice and a hearing — for larger or more intensive projects such as multifamily buildings, mixed‑use developments and hotels.

Collins said the change would give neighbors “the opportunity to be made aware” and to comment when projects that could yield three‑ and four‑story buildings are proposed. “I would like to make a motion that we keep under the conditional‑use process … multifamily, which is apartments. Mixed use, which is that 3 and 4 story stuff,” Collins said during the meeting.

The proposal and the broader land‑use work behind it drew sustained public comment and legal questions. Property owners and their counsel warned that some of the proposed amendments may conflict with state requirements that local land‑use regulations be consistent with an adopted comprehensive plan. “The pending amendments violate these fundamental statutory requirements,” said Kimberly McCarty, a lot owner who spoke with an attorney. She said several lot owners are prepared to seek legal remedies if the commission proceeds without additional review.

Why it matters: The city is updating its land development code to implement a form‑based overlay for East Stewart created through…