EDC warns state law will limit local code changes; committee to frame recommendations as advisory

The Lighthouse Point Economic Development Committee reopened discussion of previously tabled code, design and zoning recommendations and agreed the group's work should result in a clear advisory report to the City Commission rather than immediate ordinance changes. Chair opened the item and turned the floor to Dave Dixon, who said the committee's draft will present recommendations as a menu of future actions for the Commission to prioritize.

"If a code change does happen ... it has 3 opportunities to be heard by the public," Dixon said, stressing the committee's role is to prepare language and context for the Commission. Committee members emphasized that recommendations should be clear, actionable and framed so the Commission can evaluate budget and prioritization later.

Members discussed overlap with the existing Community Appearance Board and whether design-review responsibilities should be handled there, via Planning & Zoning, or through a new review body. Dave said the goal of clearer criteria is to make the review process more predictable — focusing on frontage, design and materials rather than subjective measures.

The group also flagged a recent state-level development that affects timing: SB 180 was described as restricting local governments from adopting certain land-use changes judged to be more restrictive or burdensome until 2027. Attorney Hernandez advised the committee that, where the statute lacks a precise definition of "burdensome," the issue may ultimately be settled by courts through statutory interpretation.

The committee agreed to include the code/design recommendations in the draft report to the Commission, while noting that any future code changes would still require public hearings and be evaluated under the new state law. Next steps include preparing the draft report language for the next EDC meeting and clarifying which review body should handle design criteria.