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Coral Springs adopts ‘flex’ zoning to allow small-scale makers and micro-enterprises
Summary
The commission unanimously approved a land‑development code amendment to allow limited small-scale manufacturing and artisan businesses in commercial and industrial districts, with a 2,500 sq ft by‑right threshold and a conditional-use path for larger spaces.
The Coral Springs City Commission unanimously approved a zoning code amendment aimed at expanding space for small-scale manufacturers and artisan businesses within the city’s commercial and industrial districts. Staff described the proposal as a flexible zoning approach intended to support small makers, craft producers and micro‑enterprises.
Tina, a staff presenter from Community Development, told the commission that “flexible zoning provides a limited range of small scale manufacturing, artisan businesses, and micro enterprises, which contain a commercial component within our commercial districts.” The proposal would permit uses such as woodworking, handmade textiles, jewelry making, cheese making, coffee roasting, craft beverage production and small print and design studios in commercial zones under defined thresholds.
Under the amendment, uses of up to 2,500 square feet in B‑2 or B‑3 districts would be permitted by right, while proposals above that threshold would require a conditional‑use review. Tina said the conditional process could be expedited through the Administrative Zoning Review Committee, a roughly one‑month review option compared with a multi‑month planning and zoning plus commission process.
Commissioners praised the change as an economic development tool for entrepreneurs. One commissioner said the amendment could create opportunities for indoor recreational or training uses, like batting cages, while another said the measure would help diversify the local tax base and encourage small business growth.
The planning and zoning board had recommended approval; the commission moved to approve and the measure carried unanimously. The amendment will allow staff and local businesses to pursue “flex” uses in the city’s commercially zoned areas with safeguards in place for noise, traffic and pedestrian safety.
The commission did not debate specific permit fees or a timetable for amending the city’s land‑use map; staff indicated further implementation details and administrative procedures would follow.
