Stuart commissioners adopt Land Development Code changes, pull East Stewart use table for community meeting

The City Commission of the City of Stuart on Monday adopted Ordinance No. 25‑39‑2025, a package of revisions to the city’s Land Development Code covering Chapters 2 (zoning districts, uses, density/intensity), 3 (special zoning codes), 5 (resource protection) and 6 (on‑ and off‑site development standards), while removing a disputed table that lists permitted uses for the East Stewart neighborhood for separate public review.

The revisions shorten allowable densities, raise some parking minimums for multifamily and change how many uses in East Stewart would be handled — converting a number of “allowed by right” entries into a conditional‑use (CU) process that requires public notice and hearings. Development director Jody Kugler said applicants seeking such CU approvals “would have to do public notices within 300 feet, place a sign on the property, and a ad in the newspaper” so neighbors would be informed and able to comment.

Why it matters: The changes were presented as part of the city’s zoning‑in‑progress (ZIP) update aimed at clarifying lot/parcel rules, reducing maximum densities and updating development standards. Supporters described the CU change as adding community safeguards; opponents…