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Commission debates removing floor-area-ratio limits and mixed-use restrictions for Barrier Island in charter
Summary
Item g would remove FAR and mixed-accessory-use provisions from the charter while leaving height and lot-coverage limits in place; supporters say it enables targeted redevelopment, opponents say it risks traffic, evacuation and character of the Barrier Island and call for a master plan.
Item g would strike floor-area-ratio (FAR) regulations and restrictions on mixed and accessory uses from charter section 11.01 but preserve the charter's height and lot-coverage maximums (45 feet commercial, 55 feet multifamily). The city attorney explained that removing FAR from the charter would allow the commission to address FAR through the land development code and amendments via ordinance, while height limits stated in the charter would remain unchanged.
Commissioner Shanitzky and several public commenters urged delaying any change until a Barrier Island master plan, traffic and evacuation studies, and more public education occur. "I really feel we need more study on this because there's so many questions that are being left out," Commissioner Shanitzky said. Supporters argued the change would allow renovation of dilapidated properties and mixed-use development while retaining guardrails: "We're not taking out the lot coverage requirements... We're not gonna have a Pompano or a Boca," Commissioner Plaut said.
