Parkland commission approves first reading of Village in the Park zoning district and design guidelines

The City of Parkland Commission on Wednesday approved on first reading Ordinance 20204-014, establishing a new Village in the Park (VIP) zoning district and accompanying design guidelines for redevelopment of the former Heron Bay golf course site.

The ordinance and design guidelines set a regulatory “envelope” and the qualitative expectations for future development on the roughly 33–34 acre site that includes about 25 acres already in the city plus roughly 8.5 acres being annexed from Coral Springs. Caitlin Forbes of the planning department summarized the next steps: a developer will be selected through an RFQ/RFP process, then submit rezoning, a development agreement, master plan, plat and site plans for additional review.

Why it matters: the ordinance creates a custom zoning structure to support a mixed-use “village” — retail, dining, public spaces, plazas and a central park — where the city said prior commercial districts would not accommodate the vision. The planning department and the consultant team led by John Moore presented guidance on massing, materials, public spaces, pedestrian and bike connections and waterfront design to set a tone for prospective developers.

Key changes and commission direction - Commissioners discussed and then adopted policy direction to split amusement/entertainment uses into categories so the city can both encourage activity and preserve control over potential impacts. Vice…