Council consolidates planning and zoning boards; directs member outreach and training

The Bonita Springs City Council voted to consolidate its Local Planning Agency (LPA) and Zoning Board into a single Planning and Zoning Board after a second-reading ordinance and public comment.

Staff explained the consolidation will combine memberships while keeping existing substantive standards unchanged (staff cited compliance with Senate Bill 250 and Senate Bill 180). Derek and other staff said the consolidation is intended to streamline review and reduce duplicated hearings; the proposal would require picking new members for the combined board and staggering terms so all members do not start simultaneously.

Several council members, including Jim and Jesse, expressed concern for preserving institutional knowledge and urged staff to contact current members and request updated resumes and interest statements. Jim asked for a formal training session beyond Sunshine Law covering roles, responsibilities and specific guidelines for zoning and planning functions. Arlene and other staff recommended bringing in professional organizations (APA/FAPA) or third-party trainers and suggested a workshop for all new and continuing members.

Ben Harshenson, vice chair of the zoning board, spoke during public comment in support of consolidation and cited staff capability and efficiency benefits.

The council amended the effective date and directed staff to request current members confirm interest and to return to the council with a membership selection item at the next meeting. The ordinance passed on a recorded roll call vote, 6–1.

Next steps: staff will contact existing board members, compile applications and CVs for council consideration, propose staggered term lengths and schedule training for new members.