Planning & Zoning Board recommends site‑plan review for residential projects over 20 acres, forwards ordinance to council

The Town of Loxahatchee Groves Planning & Zoning Board voted 4‑0 to recommend approval of Ordinance 2026‑02, which clarifies that residential developments of more than 20 acres must go through the town nd site‑plan review process.

Town attorney Jeff explained the amendment during the board iscussion, saying, “if you're developing a residential property of more than 20 acres, you would have to go through this site planning process.” The clarification is intended to close a perceived loophole that could let large‑acreage projects avoid council review by staying within a four‑lot exception.

Board members asked multiple questions about the interplay between the local code and state law. Jeff told the board the change is a clarification, not a new restriction: the town—annot adopt local standards more restrictive than allowed by Senate Bill 180, so the wording reiterates the council—xpectation that developments of 20 acres or more require site‑plan review and the potential council review that accompanies that process.

Cassie Suchi moved to approve the recommendation and Arlene White seconded. The board recorded a 4‑0 favorable vote; the board's role on this matter is advisory, and the recommendation will be forwarded to the Town Council for final action. Temporary chair Robert Shore will present the board—indings to the council at the June 16 meeting.

What the ordinance would do: It would clarify that any residential development involving more than 20 acres must submit a site plan that will be subject to the site‑plan process and potential council review, closing a statutory interpretation gap that members said could otherwise allow large developments to proceed without the committee nd council scrutiny envisioned in town practice.

Next steps: The Planning & Zoning Board forwarded its recommendation to the Town Council; council action is required before any change becomes effective.