Council hears presentation on Wharf Landing (Margaritaville) PUD proposing 142 lots; action deferred

City planning staff presented the Wharf Landing Residential District planned-unit development, a Margaritaville-linked proposal that would rezone roughly 25.9 acres and create 142 residential lots intended for short-term vacation rentals.

Planner Griffin described the proposal as two parcels—about 23.6 acres on the north side and 2.3 acres on the south—proposing 116 lots on the north and 26 on the south for a total of 142 lots. Griffin said the project includes six house types (two- to six-bedroom models and an 11-bedroom building called the Lodge), two- to three-story buildings, common-area parking and amenities, and deviations from general-business zoning for lot area, width, setbacks and sign dimensions. "This development is going to be a short term vacation rental development, to support the resort," Griffin said. The planning commission recommended the project 6–0.

Staff noted the project’s parking calculations show about 470 spaces provided versus 429 required. Griffith (sic) said a traffic-impact study is underway and will be submitted when complete. During public comment, Ursula Godwin of Sawgrass Consulting, speaking for Wharf Landing, confirmed there are three existing public-right-of-way access points within the residential district (two off Margaritaville Way and one at Brown Lane) and said the traffic study and remaining application materials were being finalized for staff review.

Several council members expressed concern about making a decision with two members absent and advocated waiting two weeks so absent council members could participate, particularly on an extensive rezoning and requests for multiple deviations. The council did not adopt the ordinance at this meeting and directed that final consideration be deferred to allow additional input.