Board backs staff‑limited changes to allow smaller single‑destination retail sites, resists exemptions for glazing and landscaping

City planning staff presented a privately initiated amendment to Chapter 23 of the Land Development Regulations under Ordinance 2025‑13 that would modify rules for single‑destination retail and commercial uses. Staff said the applicant sought reductions in minimum site area and lot width and exemptions from major thoroughfare frontage specifically in TOD districts, but staff proposed doing the reductions citywide and limiting the major‑thoroughfare exemption to low‑intensity uses under 2,500 sq ft.

"The applicant proposed to reduce it from 10,000 square feet to 6,500 square feet," staff said, and staff proposed applying the reduction across all districts that allow the use rather than only in TOD areas. Staff opposed the applicant’s proposed exemptions to perimeter and sitewide landscaping, clear glazing and entrance visibility, and display‑window engagement standards, arguing these requirements preserve pedestrian environment and visual character.

Applicant Max Lohman told the board he and his client accept staff’s recommended, citywide approach and said they do not intend to eliminate landscaping requirements. A public commenter asked whether reduced lot size should be matched with reduced parking; staff explained parking is typically tied to building square footage and minimum lot size changes alone do not automatically reduce parking ratios. The board voted to recommend the staff‑revised ordinance, with direction that staff work to craft language providing limited administrative flexibility on perimeter landscaping where strict buffers are infeasible on older, narrow lots. The recommendation will be forwarded to the Planning, Historic & Resources Board and then the City Commission for final action.