Coconut Creek moves to align land‑development code with state law on reasonable accommodations (SB 954)

Summary

The commission advanced a first reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 13 of the land‑development code to comply with Senate Bill 954: requests for reasonable accommodation will be date‑stamped, must be acted on within 60 days (deemed granted if not), and any additional information requests must be made by day 30.

On first reading the Coconut Creek City Commission advanced amendments to the city’s land‑development code to conform to changes in state law enacted in Senate Bill 954.

Staff explained the ordinance updates Chapter 13 (administration, implementation procedures) to ensure requests for reasonable accommodation are date‑stamped, that the city responds within 60 days (or the request is deemed granted), and that requests for additional information be made by day 30 or sooner. The existing city code used a 45‑day timeline and lacked consistent rules for additional information requests, so the change aligns local procedure with the statutory "shot‑clock" mechanism that takes effect Jan. 1.

City staff said the ordinance will codify timing, notification, and documentation requirements necessary to process accommodation requests in a statute‑conforming manner. The first reading passed by roll call vote; no additional substantive changes were requested during the discussion.

The item will return for second reading as required by ordinance procedure prior to adoption.