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Council adopts first reading of ordinance shifting final plat approval to city manager to comply with state law
Summary
On first reading the council approved changes to the land development code to make final plat approval and preliminary plat appeals administrative functions in response to Florida Statutes §177.071; second reading set for Dec. 16.
The Temple Terrace City Council on Dec. 2 approved on first reading an ordinance amending sections of the city’s Land Development Code to comply with a 2025 change in state law that requires municipalities to designate an administrative official to approve final plats.
Senior planner Alyssa Livingstone told council the state law (Florida Senate Bill 784 / §177.071) requires municipalities to designate an administrative official for final plat approval. The draft ordinance moves final approval from the council to the city manager and redirects appeals of preliminary disapprovals to the city manager rather than the city council.
Councilmember Fernandez and other members asked whether the change removes local discretion. City Attorney (speaking in the hearing) confirmed the statute transfers that authority to an administrative process; staff noted the city still controls rezonings and other land‑use tools where the council retains authority.
A public speaker asked why council remains involved if the authority is now administrative. Livingstone and the city attorney reiterated the change responds to a state mandate and that plots are relatively infrequent in Temple Terrace (about three to four per year), minimizing the frequency of administrative decisions.
Councilmember Fernandez moved approval on first reading; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote with no opposition. The ordinance will return for second reading and a final public hearing on Dec. 16.
