Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves first reading of state-mandated ordinance on certified recovery residences
Summary
Under a Florida statutory mandate, the council adopted on first reading an ordinance establishing procedures and a reasonable-accommodation process for certified recovery residences; the vote on first reading passed 5–1 and the council scheduled a special meeting to finalize adoption before Jan. 1.
The Belleair Beach City Council approved on first reading Ordinance 2025-03, which implements a state law requiring municipalities to establish a review and approval process for certified recovery residences and a procedure for reasonable accommodations to local land‑use regulations.
City Attorney Tom Tras explained the statute requires each county or municipality to adopt such procedures by Jan. 1, 2026. Council Member Kimberly Shaw Elliot described the action as compliance with state law: “This ordinance is mandated by state law. We have an obligation to adopt it.” The measure passed the first reading in a recorded vote the council reported as 5–1.
Mayor and council members discussed scheduling an additional short, special meeting to complete adoption and fulfill advertising requirements. They selected December 22 at 5:30 p.m. for the special meeting to secure the ordinance before the statutory deadline.
What’s next: The ordinance requires final adoption (second reading or special meeting action) before Jan. 1; staff will advertise the required notice and the council will reconvene on the scheduled special meeting date.
