Parkland approves 'Village in the Park' zoning district with limits on large retail and outdoor uses

The City of Parkland Commission on Feb. 19 adopted Ordinance 2024-014, establishing a new Village in the Park zoning district and design guidelines for the cityby a 4to1 vote. Vice Mayor Israel moved to approve the ordinance with several additional options on size limits and special‑exception treatment for larger entertainment, grocery and training uses; Commissioner Kanterman seconded. Commissioner Murphy Salimoni voted no.

The ordinance amends the City of Parkland Land Development Code (Article 10) to create Division 85, a new mixed‑use commercial district that sets a use table, development standards and a number of guardrails intended to shape future developer proposals and the city—s upcoming request for proposals (RFP). Planning staff told the commission the changes reflect refinements made after the first reading and consultation with the project consultant and other reviewers.

Planning staff said the ordinance requires that "all uses [be] conducted entirely inside except for where there's expressly permitted being things like parking and loading, outdoor dining," and that the code now clarifies when outdoor activities are allowed. The final…