Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use Moratorium topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Homestead council extends moratorium on certain multifamily and townhome projects amid state preemption warning
Summary
Council approved a six-month extension to a temporary moratorium on development orders and permits for certain townhome, cluster-home and multifamily projects; legal staff warned Florida legislation (SB 180) on the governor's desk could void the moratorium if signed.
The Homestead City Council voted to adopt on second reading an ordinance extending for six months the city’s temporary moratorium on certain townhome, cluster-home and multifamily residential development and on proposed developments on lots under specified sizes.
The ordinance imposes a six-month extension to an existing 12-month moratorium covering development orders, permits, rezonings, comprehensive plan text amendments and land-use plan amendments for specified residential development types. The ordinance also allows applicants to submit materials for staff review during the moratorium but bars final approvals until the moratorium ends.
Development services staff summarized changes directed by council at first reading, including permitting review of applications for existing lots between 5,000 and 7,500 square feet while prohibiting creation of new lots in that size range during the moratorium. The development services director said those edits were incorporated per council direction and clarified the allowance for applicants to submit applications for staff review while approvals remain on hold.
City counsel (Mister Pearl) warned the council about pending state action: “The Florida legislature passed Senate Bill 180 … [which] will prohibit local governments from passing this type of ordinance,” and noted the bill was on the governor’s desk; if the bill is signed the moratorium could be voided. The attorney’s remarks were offered as a point of information.
Councilman Cannonball moved the ordinance; Councilman Davis seconded. Councilman Roth voted no; other members voted yes. The motion carried on roll call.
The council’s action preserves the moratorium in the near term but leaves the city’s pause subject to change if state law takes effect. The council recorded the vote: Avila yes; Bailey yes; Roth no; Davis yes; Cannonball yes; Vice Mayor Fletcher yes; Mayor Lawson yes.
