Planning board recommends most 2025 zoning text amendments but removes two items after public concern about trees and building mass

The Sarasota City Planning Board voted 5‑0 to recommend most changes in the 2025 zoning text amendment batch (25‑ZTA‑01) but asked staff to exclude two contested items and to revise rooftop screening language.

The board directed staff to remove from the packet two changes that drew substantial public comment and board concern: (1) a proposed allowance to count understory trees in lieu of required canopy trees on lots 30 feet or narrower, and (2) an increase in the maximum building length in Urban Mixed‑Use zone districts from 200 to 250 feet. Board members said both items require further work and broader stakeholder review. The board did accept a staff edit to clarify rooftop mechanical screening materials while preserving parapet screening on the primary street.

Why it matters: The ZTA batch bundles housekeeping fixes, clarifications and several substantive updates to the zoning code that affect building materials, tree standards, waterfront setbacks, permitted uses and administrative procedures. The board’s action moves most amendments to the City Commission while pausing two items flagged by residents and board members as likely to affect neighborhood character and tree canopy.

What staff proposed and what the board changed Planning Department staff said the 23‑item batch was mostly technical clarifications but includes policy adjustments. Staff highlighted items the board discussed at length: - Rooftop mechanical screening: staff proposed clarifying that flat roofs must use parapets to fully…