|
Long-Range Planning
The Long-Range Planning Division is
responsible for developing, evaluating, and maintaining the City´s
Comprehensive Plan, also known as the Sarasota City Plan. The Sarasota
City Plan is a broad policy document that prescribes how the City
will develop in future years. The first comprehensive plan was developed
in 1925 by John Nolen [click
here to view the Nolen Plan]. John Nolen was a well-known urban
planner of his day. Updates to the Comprehensive Plan were produced
in 1960, 1972, 1979, 1986, 1989, 1998, and most recently in 2005.
Beginning in 1979, Comprehensive Plans
were prepared under the guidelines of the State of Florida´s
Local Government Comprehensive Planning Act of 1975. This Act was
amended in 1985 by the Local Government Comprehensive Planning and
Land Development Regulation Act, commonly referred to as the "Growth
Management Act"; and Plans are now prepared under the guidelines
of the "Growth Management Act".
Sarasota
City Plan (2030) [Comprehensive Plan]
On December 1, 2008 the City Commission
adopted Ordinance No. 08-4792,
which revised the Sarasota City Plan [1998] to the Sarasota City
Plan [2030]. Support Documents for each Chapter are included
in the Plan, although the Support Documents are not formally adopted
by the City Commission. For additional information on the
Sarasota City Plan (2030) or citizen involvement in the comprehensive
planning process, call Planning and Development Services staff at
(941) 365-2200, ext 4195.
A representation of the table of contents
is provided below and includes separate links to each chapter. These
documents have been converted to Adobe [.pdf] format and require
Adobe Acrobat Reader to view them. Click here to obtain a free copy of Adobe
Acrobat Reader software.
Amendments
to the Sarasota City Plan
The Sarasota City Plan amendment process
and the calendar of events relating to amendments are located in
our Annual Amendment Schedule presented below.
Annual Amendment Schedule.
The City processes Comprehensive Plan
Amendments on an annual schedule that begins on the fourth Wednesday
in May when a pre-application conference request form must be submitted.
Once a pre-application conference and a community workshop are held,
an applicant is eligible to file a formal application seeking to
amend the Comprehensive Plan. The required forms are included in
the City´s Development Approval Application Package.
Zoning
To promote orderly development, every
parcel within the City has a zoning designation that governs its
use. These uses are defined in the City´s Official Zoning
Code [below]. Staff applies Code regulations through a review
of Applications for Development Approval as well as through Building
Permit Applications. Additional zoning staff responsibilities
include Zoning Confirmation Letters, Zoning Interpretation Letters,
Lot Split and Boundary Adjustments, Plat Consolidations, Alcoholic
Beverage Licenses, and assignment of Street Addresses. You
may contact Zoning staff weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at
[941] 365-2200, ext 4156.
Zoning Code
The City´s Zoning Code is intended
to implement Sarasota´s Comprehensive Plan [or long-range
plan] and related land use plans in a manner that protects the health,
safety and general welfare of the citizens of Sarasota. The boundaries
of the base zones, overlay zones and plan districts are shown on
the official zoning maps of the City [see below].
-
The City´s Official
Zoning Code is published by the Municipal Code Corporation.
The official zoning code is updated through the quarterly printing
of supplements. Click
here to access Ordinances that have been adopted but
that have not been updated in the Municipal Code Corporation´s
web-based version of the City´s Zoning Code.
-
The unofficial version of the Zoning Code
is maintained by Planning staff and is updated as Ordinances
are adopted. This version of the Code has been updated
through February 17, 2009.
There are several types of zoning
regulations that may affect a property. You will need to research
all of these regulations to determine what is allowed on your property.
-
Base Zones- All properties within the City
of Sarasota have a base zone. There are residential zones, office
zones, commercial zones, industrial zones and mixed use zones.
-
Overlay Zones- Some properties have overlay
zones that consist of regulations that address specific subjects
in particular areas of the City. For example, the North Trail
Overlay is applied to areas where additional height is allowed
on a case-by-case basis.
-
Other Zoning Requirements - Some uses and
development types have additional regulations that apply. For
example, school uses or parking lots have additional regulations
that apply.
Zoning District Maps and Other Reports
Zone District Maps -- Copies
of the Official Zone District [Quarter Section] Maps
Unofficial [citywide] Zone District Maps
-- Unofficial maps are provided
for general reference purposes only.
Map
of Adopted Downtown Zone Districts
2003 ERA Economic Analysis of the Downtown Code
2006 ERA Downtown Density Bonus & Attainable Housing Policy
Zoning Code Text
Amendments [ZTAs]
The Sarasota City Commission is authorized
to amend the text of the Zoning Code whenever the City Commission
determines the amendment would be in the public interest and would
serve a valid public purpose. To learn more about ZTAs, select
any of the related links below.
ZTA Process
ZTA Application Form
Current Cycle of Zoning
Code Text Amendments
The City Commission will meet on October
5, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. in the Commission Chambers at City Hall, 1565
First Street, to solicit public comment and make an initial decision
concerning the proposed Zoning Text Amendments [Ordinance No. 09-4890]
below. A second public hearing is required for these amendments
because they involve a change in 'Use'. The second public hearing
is currently scheduled for October 19, 2009 at 6:00 p.m.
- Commercial Business Newtown [CBN] Zone District
- Downtown Neighborhood Edge [DTNE] Zone District
- Bayou Oaks Overlay District [BOOD]
Chart
of Proposed Zoning Text Amendments [Ordinance No. 09-4890]
Chart
of Proposed Zoning Text Amendments [Second Public Hearing-10/19/09]
On October 19, 2009 at 6:00 p.m., the
Zoning Text Amendments below [Ordinance No. 09-4888] will also be
on the City Commission agenda. These amendments will require only
one public hearing.
- Errata Amendments
- Coastal Islands Overlay [CIO]
- North Trail Overlay [NTOD]
- Seawalls
- Buffers
- Cabana Inn Density
Chart
of Proposed Zoning Text Amendments [Ordinance No. 09-4888]
Current
Planning
Current Planning staff, through review
of new development projects, ensures that the long-range plans of
the City are implemented and that new development adheres to the
City´s codes and regulations. Every new project is different
and City Planners work with developers, architects, engineers, attorneys
and neighborhood representatives to achieve a balanced integration
between new development and the built environment.
Development
Application Forms and Information
The table below contains the forms
and general information needed to apply for development approval
in the City of Sarasota. Printed copies of this package are also
available from the Office of the City Auditor and Clerk. (Please
be sure that you review and complete all pertinent documents prior
to any submittal to the Office of the City Auditor and Clerk.) For
additional information, contact the City Auditor and Clerk´s
Office at (941) 954-4160.
Describes the information
needed to submit an application as well as the City´s
application approval process
|
Development
Application
General Information |
Instructions |
| |
|
|
Packet of ALL Application
Forms |
Development
Application
Forms |
All
Forms |
| |
|
|
Listing of Fees |
Tiered Flat
Fee Schedule |
Form
1 |
| |
|
|
| This form must be submitted
with all application types. Note that the following
pre-application activities and information may also be requested
using this form:
- Pre-Application Conferenc with the DRC
- Community Workshop
- Transportation Concurrency & Circulation Analysis
|
General Application
Information |
Form
A |
| |
|
|
Describes plans, reports
and other information required for City review of
all Applications [Must be submitted with all application
types] |
Minimum Submission
Checklist |
Form
B 1
Form
B 2 |
| |
|
|
Ownership information required
for Rezone and Rezone Ordinance Amendment applications |
Ownership
Disclosure Form |
Form
C |
| |
|
|
Affidavit for Conditional
Use Applications
[Requirement under Section IV-910(b)(3)
of the Zoning Code] |
Affidavit
- Conditional Use |
Form
D |
| |
|
|
Applicant´s disclosure
of information and witnesses that may speak at public hearings
as well as a statement by applicant detailing any special
conditions offered for consideration during approval process
[The later must be signed and notarized] |
Applicant
Disclosures - Proffer Form |
Form
E |
| |
|
|
Description of the impact
to the affordability of housing. |
Affordable
Housing Form |
Form
F |
| |
|
|
Required if a Power of Attorney
is assigned |
Power of
Attorney Affidavit |
Form
G |
| |
|
|
Application to the City
for status as an "Affected Person" |
Request for
Affected Person Status |
Form
H |
| |
|
|
Required information when
applying for an Amendment to the Sarasota City Plan [Comprehensive
Plan Amendment] |
Comprehensive
Plan Amendment [CPA] |
Form
I |
| |
|
|
Public Input Sheet required
for Comprehensive Plan Amendment applications |
Public Input
Sheet for CPA´s |
Form
J |
| |
|
|
Application to change an
existing Street Name |
Street Name
Change Form |
Form
K |
| |
|
|
Application to establish
a Pet-Free Area within a City Park |
Pet-Free
Area Form |
Form
L |
| |
|
|
Application to establish
a Provisional Use/Sidewalk Café Permit |
Sidewalk
Café Permit |
Form
M |
| |
|
|
Application to determine
school concurrency |
School Impact
Analysis Application |
Form
N |
| |
|
|
Comprehensive Plan Amendment Application
to designate a high density, high intensity mixed-use area
as a Regional Activity Center [RAC]. |
RAC |
Form
O |
| |
|
|
Application for Tax Increment
Financing [TIF] funds from the CRA’s Community Redevelopment
Trust Fund to provide financial assistance, either as debt
service or as periodic payments, to Redevelopment Projects. |
TIF |
Form
P |
| |
|
|
Development Review Meeting
Schedule |
2009 Meeting
Dates & Submission Deadlines |
Found
in General Information Packet |
Development Review Committee
This group, composed of City Staff from
various Divisions, meets on the first and third Wednesday of every
month to coordinate and analyze requests for development approval,
such as rezonings and site plans. Meetings typically begin
at 9:00 a.m. and are held in Room 112 at City Hall. To view 2009
meeting agendas, staff comment memoranda, and to access audio recordings
of meetings, select "Watch Live and Archived Videos"
from the City´s Main Web Page. The DRC Meeting Schedule
and Application Submission Deadlines are provided here:
2010
DRC Meeting Schedule & Agenda Deadlines
2009 DRC Meeting Schedule &
Agenda Deadlines
Committee Members
Development
Application Status Report
(Note: Development Review Committee
meetings are open to the public. However, participation is limited
to committee members, unless a committee member requests information
of an applicant (Reference: Zoning Code, Section III-603). Opportunities
for citizen comment on proposed developments are provided through
the Community Workshops, by scheduling appointments with individual
City Staff, or by speaking or submitting written comments at public
hearings before the Planning Board or City Commission.)
Planning Board
The Planning Board / Local Planning
Agency holds public hearings and makes recommendations to the City
Commission on a variety of development applications and related
issues including:
- Proposed amendments to the Sarasota City
Plan (2030) and the Sarasota Zoning Code (2002 Ed.);
- Ordinances and regulations governing development
of land in the City;
- Whether proposed development conforms to the principles
and requirements of the Sarasota City Plan (2030).
Planning Board members are volunteers
appointed by the City Commission to serve three-year terms. Members
of the Planning Board are required to be City residents who do not
hold any public position or office in City Government. Refer
to the City´s Main Web Page and select "Watch Live and
Archived Meeting Videos" to view Planning Board Agendas, Staff
Reports, Meeting Videos, and Minutes. A schedule of Planning Board
Meetings is provided here.
2010
Planning Board Meeting Schedule
2009 Planning Board Meeting
Schedule
Current
Planning Board Members
Planning
Board Guidelines
Board
of Adjustment - Variance Application
The Board of Adjustment has the authority
to decide appeals of any written determination or interpretation
of the Zoning Code by Director of Neighborhood and Development Services
and to grant variances from the regulations of the Zoning Code if
they have resulted in an unnecessary or undue hardship. The Board
of Adjustment consists of 5 members who are volunteers appointed
by the City Commission to serve three-year terms. Members of the
Board are required to be City residents who do not hold any public
position or office in City Government. Generally, the Board meets
on the last Wednesday of each month at 1:30 p.m. A schedule
of meetings is provided in the application form presented below.
Variance Application
and Information
Current
Board of Adjustment Members
Building
& Permitting Information and Forms
This group reviews building plans
and provides accurate technical inspection. They ensure that
every building project in the City conforms to the appropriate codes
and regulations.
Also Note that in 2002, the Florida
Legislature passed House Bill 1307 which allows the use of Private
Providers for building plans examination and inspections.
Please check this link for important information about the use of
Private Providers in the City
of Sarasota.
The following links will assist you
in filing for a Building Permit:
Learn
When a Building Permit Is Needed
Review Building Permit Application
Requirements
Building Permit Application
Inquire about Building Permit Status by Application or Permit Number
Inquire
about Building Permit Status by Site Address
Staging Permit Application
To view or print the documents listed
below, download a free copy of Adobe
Acrobat Reader software.
Contractor
Registration Information
The City of Sarasota no longer requires
STATE REGISTERED or STATE CERTIFIED Contractors to register with
the City of Sarasota. Contractors may obtain permits by appearing
in person and presenting credentials each time a permit application
is submitted. [Proper credentials include: certification or registration,
proof of insurance and Worker´s Compensation Insurance, letter
of reciprocity for State Registered Contractors]. However,
contractors may voluntarily register with the City. Registering
allows use of authorized agents and obtaining permits without presenting
credentials in person for each permit. Contractors will be allowed
to keep qualifications and insurance on file with the City throughout
the year. Note that the signature on the Contractor´s
Affidavit must be SWORN AND NOTORIZED. For convenience, City Staff
includes a notary public. An original application form may
NOT be faxed and must be mailed to the City of Sarasota Building
Dept., P.O. Box 1058, Sarasota, FL 34230 or brought in person
to the Building Department in City Hall at 1565 First Street.
The fee for this service is $25.00 annually. Contractors must
renew their registration by October 1st each year.
SPECIALTY TRADESPERSONS [anyone who
performs work under contract within the City of Sarasota and whose
trade or craft is not certified or registered by the State of Florida]
are required to register prior to pulling a permit or performing
work. This primarily affects landscape contractors, tree removal
services, painters, drywall contractors, framing contractors and
other skilled craftsmen and craftswomen whose trade is not registered
with the State. Specialty Tradespersons must provide proof
of liability insurance [$50,000 per person/$100,000 per occurrence],
proof of Worker´s Compensation Insurance [or an exemption
by the State of Florida Waiver Form BCM 204]. Registering
as a Specialty Tradesperson provides the ability to use authorized
agents as discussed above. The annual registration fee is
$75.00. Specialty Tradespersons must renew their registration
by October 1st each year.
NOTE that Contractors and Specialty
Tradespersons are subject to Local Business Tax Receipt if their
business is operated from a location within the City of Sarasota
City Limits. For most Contractors/Specialty Tradespersons,
the cost is approximately $50.00 annually depending on your business
location and classification. For more information, see below.
Building
& Fire Board of Rules and Appeals
The Board of Rules and Appeals was
established to hear appeals, to approve alternative standards to
various model building codes, to certify contractors, to hear and
decide whether or not to suspend or revoke a contractor certificate
of competency, to deny issuance or renewal of certificates, to impose
fines, or to deny the issuance of building permits for cause.
The Board consists of 9 members each
possessing the specific technical and professional skills necessary
to accomplish the work of the board. Meetings are generally
held once per Quarter in the Building Department Conferenc Room.
View
Board of Rules and Appeals Guidelines
View
List of Members
Local Business
Tax Receipt [Occupational Licensing]
All entities doing business in the
City of Sarasota must obtain a City Local Business Tax Receipt each
year. This is in addition to any tax required by Sarasota
County or any other municipal, state or federal agency. A Local
Business Tax Receipt is easy to obtain. Simply fill out the
Local Business Tax Receipt Application and submit it. In most
cases, the only additional documentation required is the county,
state or federal license(s) required to conduct your occupation.
Most businesses need to contact LBTR staff at 941-365-2200, ext.
4427 to establish the coding for the type of business and to calculate
the tax amount.
If the proposed business location
is in a residential zone, use the Home-Based Occupation Application.
Food Vendors should use the Peddler/Vendor Local
Business Tax Receipt Application. All other businesses should
use the Local Business Tax Receipt Application.
Provided here are answers to the most Frequently Asked Questions
[FAQs ].
Retail Establishments will
need to supply an estimated inventory value. A retailer moving
to the City should use the average monthly stock on hand for the
past 3 years [or if the business is less than 3 years old, use the
average stock on hand during the period the business has existed]
and adjust for the size of your new location. If this will
be a new retail business, use the estimated or actual value of the
stock purchased to open business.
NOTE that effective November 1, 2007
[per Sarasota County Ordinance 2007-053 and City of Sarasota Resolution
07R-1973], all Commercial and Institutional Fertilizer Applicators
must present a Certificate of Completion from a Sarasota County
approved "Best Management Practices" training program
when applying for or renewing a Local Business Tax Receipt.
Golf courses are exempt.
Code
Compliance
Through fair and thorough enforcement
of local codes and standards, this group helps facilitate an attractive,
clean, and aesthetically pleasing city. They work to keep
the City of Sarasota “the best small city in the country”.
They investigate complaints quickly and thoroughly and police neighborhoods
and commercial areas alike.
Click here to read or print a brochure
detailing the Citizen´s
Guide to Code Compliance. This valuable brochure outlines some
of the most common code compliance complaints and what your neighbors
in the City of Sarasota expect of you. (This
brochure requires Adobe Acrobat Reader; download a free copy of Adobe
Acrobat Reader software.)
Submit a New Complaint or Check
Status of Existing Complaints entered after 1/02/2008.
Or Call
Code Compliance staff at [941] 365-2200, Ext.4227.
The City of Sarasota has adopted a
COMMERCIAL VEHICLE ORDINANCE, and generally, large or heavy equipment
cannot be parked or stored in residential zones at all [except when
in active use]. There are also specific limits on signage,
weight, length and height of commercial motor vehicles and trailers
parked in residential zones. Several examples are listed below.
Contact the City of Sarasota Code Compliance Inspectors for more
information at [941] 365-2200.
Vehicles Prohibited from Parking in Residential
Zones:
- Vehicles over 7,200 lbs.
-
Regardless of weight, semi-trucks, dump
trucks, bucket trucks, wreckers, tow trucks, trucks with stake
beds and vehicles more than 8 ft. in height.
-
Front-end loaders, bulldozers, bobcats,
ditch diggers except when construction equipment is parked during
the tenure of construction.
Redevelopment
Downtown
The Community Redevelopment Agency
Advisory Board [CRA Advisory Board] is the primary source of community
input to the CRA. The Board´s functions are advisory
in nature and provide assistance with public input concerning the
Downtown Sarasota redevelopment planning process. The Board
also reviews projects initiating redevelopment within the CRA area
that apply for the use of Tax Increment Financing [TIF] to support
development of the project. Board meetings are generally held
quarterly on the last Thursday of the month beginning at 3:00 p.m.
in the Commission Chambers at City Hall. Refer to the City´s
Main Web Page and select "Watch Live and Archived Meeting Videos"
to view CRAAB Agendas, Meeting Videos, and Minutes. Contact
Redevelopment Staff at [941] 365-2200, Ext.4229 for additional information.
Applications for TIF Funding may be found in the City´s Application
Package on Page 3 above. Current redevelopment projects include:
2010
Downtown CRA Advisory Board Meeting Schedule & Submission Deadlines
Palm
Avenue
Cultural
Park Master Plan
Bayfront
Connectivity
Transportation
Planning
Comprehensive Planning for Transportation
Transportation Planning is responsible
for developing, evaluating and maintaining the Transportation Chapter
of the Sarasota City Plan, a/k/a the Comprehensive Plan. The
Comprehensive Plan includes adopted Level of Service designations
for roadways within the City which range from "A", indicating
little or no delay, to "F", indicating consistent or continuing
delay. Whatever the adopted Level of Service, transportation
planning is charged with ensuring that the City (including the required
financial assistance of new development) is able to pay for the
transportation facilities needed to maintain the designated level
of service.
The Sarasota City Plan contains maps
of the current status of transportation Some of the maps are:
Transportation Capital Improvements Program
Annually, all Florida cities adopt
a Capital Improvements Program [CIP] identifying infrastructure
projects and funding for them for the next five years. The
projects are identified for inclusion in the CIP to help the City
maintain its adopted levels of service. Road projects, roundabouts,
intersection improvements and bicycle/pedestrian projects are examples
of transportation improvements that might be included in the Capital
Improvements Plan.
Transportation Concurrency
Concurrency is a requirement of Florida
Statutes for new developments which must have adequate infrastructure
in place --“concurrently” -- or at the same time as
the new development is constructed. Subsequent legislation
allowed infrastructure to be constructed or in place within three
years of the issuance of the first building permit for the project.
Concurrency regulations apply to all infrastructures: potable water,
sewer and transportation.
In accordance with Florida Statutes,
developments are considered to have “de minimis” traffic
impact, or having no traffic impact, if new trips generated by the
development are less than 1% of the capacity of the adjacent roadway.
Single family homes are, by Florida law, always considered to have
no impact. Also, a piece of property can receive “credit”
for existing trips. When a proposed development or use is
NOT found to be “de minimis”, a complete Transportation
Concurrency and Traffic Circulation Study is required. These
studies are conducted according to the adopted regulations in Appendix
A of the City Zoning Code.
A Traffic Determination Application
for new development can be found in the City’s Development
Application materials on Page 3 above.
Metropolitan Planning Organization
The Metropolitan Planning Organization
consists of elected officials from Sarasota and Manatee Counties
and all their local cities and towns. The MPO makes decisions
regarding the distribution and allocation of federal and state funds
for transportation improvements. Funds administered by the
MPO include the Major Project Funds, Congestion Management System
Funds (CMS), and Transportation Enhancement Grants (TE.) The
City annually submits a list of transportation projects for review
and ranking by the MPO. The ranking determines which City
projects will receive funding through the Florida Department of
Transportation District 1 Work Program.
Coordination with SCAT
Transportation Planning works closely
with Sarasota County Area Transit. Projects include a decorative
bus bench program, location of bus benches and bus shelters within
the City limits, and transit infrastructure requirements for new
development. The City is also working to support SCAT’s
grant application for Bus Rapid Transit. The proposed BRT
line will run from Sarasota Bradenton Airport to Bee Ridge Road
entirely within the City limits.
Intergovernmental Coordination with Sarasota
County
City Transportation Planning works
closely with the Transportation Planning Division of the Sarasota
County Public Works Business Center. Traffic Impact Studies
that are completed for developments adjacent to County roadways
must meet both City and County Standards for Review. In addition,
improvements that may impact County-maintained roadways located
within the City Limits are always reviewed with County staff.
Sarasota County maintains a traffic count program that includes
many City streets.
Neighborhood Traffic Calming
Transportation Planning provides traffic
calming services to the City’s neighborhoods. Since
1992, the City has provided traffic calming planning, design and
construction on an area-wide basis on a first-come, first-served
basis.
Florida Department of Transportation District
1
Transportation Planning works closely
with the Florida Department of Transportation District 1 located
in Bartow, Florida. FDOT permits all access to state roadways
within the City limits including US 41, US 301, Fruitville Road,
John Ringling Causeway and several other roadways.
Neighborhoods
"Meaningful
citizen participation yields better long-term solutions for neighborhood
issues."
Goal and Mission
It shall be the Goal
of the City to achieve healthy and livable neighborhoods by:
-
Maximizing opportunities for all citizens
to have meaningful involvement in the decisions that affect
their neighborhood;
-
Maximizing compatibility between residential
and non-residential uses;
-
Ensuring neighborhood safety and quality
of life;
-
Developing safe, aesthetically pleasing and
efficient transportation networks;
-
Preserving, protecting and enhancing neighborhood
aesthetics, identity, and natural and historic resources; and,
-
Embracing an Asset-Based Community Development
(ABCD) philosophy by focusing on the capacities and assets of
associations and citizens.
The Mission of City
Neighborhood Services is to sustain and advance the physical, social
and economic health of neighborhoods, promote community involvement,
and support neighborhood self-reliance through asset-based community
development.
Below are typical characteristics of active City neighborhood associations:
- Meet regularly.
- Have recognized leadership.
- Communicate with residents.
- Communicate with government.
- Take formal action to officially represent.
- Have articles of association/incorporation.
- Have delineated neighborhood boundaries.
- On record with Neighborhood and Development Services.
If your neighborhood is not within
an existing neighborhood association and is interested in organizing
a new Neighborhood Association, take the first step and download
and fill out the form provided here:
Neighborhood
Contact Information Form
Map
of City Neighborhood Associations
City
Neighborhood Association Links
Community Workshops
Prior to the City receiving a development
application, for example a rezone, major/minor conditional use,
street/right-of-way vacation, or comprehensive plan amendment, the
applicant is required to hold a Community Workshop informing stakeholders
[residents or businesses located within 500 feet] of the development
proposal. Community Workshops provide a forum for constructive
dialogue between citizens and developers. Engaging the public early
in the development process often times reduces the number of issues
that can arise during the public hearing process. Community
Workshop Applications can be found with the Development
Application material above.
City
Calendar - Community Workshops
Understanding
The City's Land Development Regulations - Brochure
Neighborhood Action Strategy [NAS]
Program
The Neighborhood Action Strategy (NAS)
process is a comprehensive and participatory effort to develop an
action plan for the neighborhood by the neighborhood, with assistance
from the City. The effort is comprehensive because it deals with
all aspects and elements of the neighborhood and because it consults
with all the stakeholders in the community, including property owners,
renters, and businesses.
The City established the Neighborhood
Action Strategy process in 1999 as a programmatic approach to revitalizing
and investing in neighborhoods affected by blight or potential blight.
Those investments range from capital improvement projects to focusing
City staff resources on a specific neighborhood issue or concern.
NAS plans have been adopted for eight City neighborhoods: Park East,
Gillespie Park, Rosemary District, Bayou Oaks, Central Cocoanut,
Arlington Park, Alta Vista and Poinsettia Park. Staff actively manages
the implementation of action items from these NAS´s and tracks
their progress while providing results to service users and providers.
There are a total of 646 individual action items for the eight NAS
neighborhoods.
In FY 07-08, the City Commission approved
the transformation of the Neighborhood Action Strategy program to
the Neighborhood Asset Strategy program. A planning program scheduled
to be open to all neighborhoods within the City, the revised NAS
process centers around an Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD)
philosophy focusing on strengths of a neighborhood, rather than
deficiencies.
The objective is to work with residents
to identify and evaluate strengths and capacities within a neighborhood
area and match the resident-identified assets to a community need.
The “inside-out” approach ABCD employs invites residents
to become increasingly engaged and mobilizes them to take ownership
of their neighborhood and its future—Citizens become the producers
of neighborhood well-being.
Click Here to View Eight Adopted Neighborhood Action Strategies
(NAS)
Neighborhood Grant Program
The intent of the Neighborhood Partnership
Grant Program is to assist and strengthen the City of Sarasota neighborhood
associations and improve the quality of life within City neighborhoods.
Neighborhood Partnership Grants are offered twice per fiscal year
– Fall and Spring. During each cycle, the City Commission
votes to approve Neighborhood Grant applications based on recommendations
from the Grant Review Committee. Applications are ranked and
given a maximum of 100 points as follows:
-
Project
Description [20 Points]: How well the application
describes the project and its goals.
-
Demonstration of Community Need [ 20 Points]:
How well the application explains a community need and whether
the project addresses said community need.
-
Evidence of Community/Association Strengthening
[20 Points]: Whether the project has the potential
to strengthen the Association and/or Neighborhood.
-
Community Support [20 Points]: Whether
there is community consensus for the project as well as resident
involvement in implementation of the project.
-
Appropriate Proposed Budget and Funding Source [20 Points]:
Whether the budget revenues an dexpenses are clear and justifiable
and whether the funding source is appropriate.
Past Neighborhood Partnership Grants
have funded the following types of initiatives: Newsletters, Crime
Watch, Public Landscape Improvements, Neighborhood Entry Signage,
Website Development, Meeting Signs, Membership Drives, Safety Programs,
T-Shirts, Special Events and more. Neighborhood Associations are
eligible to receive one Neighborhood Partnership Grant per fiscal
year.
Neighborhood
Partnership Grant Application 2009-2010
Note: The application deadline
is February 1, 2010 by 4:00 p.m.
A Community Building grant is also offered for neighborhood
associations to support community gatherings, celebrations or special
events. Such events have the ability to increase neighborhood
pride and deepen a sense of community. A sample of eligible
funding projects includes: supplies, entertainment, printing, food
and provisions (excluding alcohol and tobacco products), and permitting
fees in conjunction with neighborhood festivals/celebrations.
Neighborhood Associations are eligible to receive up to two seperate
Community Building grants per fiscal year. There is no application
deadline for this ongoing program.
Community
Building Grant Application 2009-2010
Citizens’
Academy
The City of Sarasota offers a bi-annual course called
the “Citizens’ Academy”.
The Academy is a unique opportunity
designed to offer citizens the chance to learn more about their
City government and gain insight into how the City works through
a series of hands-on, interactive sessions concluding with a Graduation
ceremony. The curriculum offers a wide range of sessions featuring
the “inner workings” of City Departments. Some
topics include a discussion with the City’s Charter Officials
and Commissioners, the ins and outs of Neighborhood and Development
Services, Public Works operations, community protection, and a back
stage tour of the Van Wezel. Citizens will take a trolley
tour of downtown, view police functions, visit sports facilities,
enjoy an evening at our entertainment hall, and much more.
Academy sessions are held at various
locations in the City according to the schedule. Each bi-annual
course is limited to 25 participants and applications are typically
selected on a first-come, first served basis. There is no fee to
attend the Citizens’ Academy. Workshop binders, identification
badges, and shirts will be provided to participants. If you reside
or own a business in the City, you are invited to apply for the
Citizens’ Academy by downloading the application below.
Please note that the application consists of three [3] sections
– The Citizen’s Academy application form, the SPD Citizen
Ride-Along application and the SPD Release and Waiver.
Citizens
Academy Application - Spring 2010
SPD
Ride Along Application
SPD Waiver Form
Applicants must be 18 years of age,
live and/or own a business in the City, and have no felony convictions
or outstanding warrants. A valid driver’s license is
required. All applicants are subject to a background check.
Neighborhood Sign Identification Program
In 2005, the City Commission established
the City neighborhood signs design standards identified in the link
below. Neighborhood identification signs must adhere to these design
standards when City funds are utilized as payment for the signs.
Neighborhood
Sign Specifications
Neighborhood Services also provides several ongoing
programs to City residents, including:
Graffitti
Abatement Program
The Green Canopy Partnership (Street Trees)
Legacy Bench and Tree Program
Useful City Contact Numbers
Historic Preservation
Program
"It shall be the goal of the
City of Sarasota to identify, document, protect, preserve, and enhance
all cultural, historic, architectural, archaeological resources
of the City."
Application for Historic Designation
In general, properties considered
for historic designation should be more than 50 years old, although
the City has encouraged designation of architecturally significant
structures associated with the Sarasota School of Architecture that
are younger than 50 years old. Buildings, sites and structures
are considered eligible for local historic designation when it can
be demonstrated that the specific criteria in Zoning Code Section
IV, Division 8 have been met. The Historic Designation of
a property is achieved after public hearings before the Historic
Preservation Board and the City Commission and approval of an ordinance
that historically designates the property in question. The
Office of the City Auditor and Clerk is then authorized to pay for
the installation of an official 8 x 8 bronze plaque to identify
designated historic structures.
Locally
Historically Designated Properties
National Register
of Historic Places
Florida
Master Site File Properties within the City of Sarasota [in
Adobe .pdf format]
Reference books are available at the
Sarasota
County History Center Library, 6062 Porter Way, (941) 861-5000.
Research hours are Monday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00
p.m. Also, sample designation reports are available in the
Neighborhood and Development Services Department located on the
3rd Floor of the City Hall Annex Building at 1565 First
Street. The City maintains a listing of approximately 180
locally designated buildings.
Historic
Designation Application and Information
2010
Meeting & Submission Schedule
2009
Meeting & Submission Schedule
To encourage the preservation of significant
historical resources, historic designation entitles an owner to
a variety of programs. These include incentives to promote sensitive
historical rehabilitation by offering some relief from building
and zoning code regulations. Also a County ad-valorem
tax exemption is offered for qualifying improvements to historic
structures. More information on the benefits
of local historic designation is available from the City Department
of Neighborhood and Development Services. For additional information
contact Dr. Clifford Smith, Senior Planner-Historic Preservation,
at [941] 365-2200, ext. 4361.
Certificate
Of Appropriateness Applications
Making changes to a locally designated
structure requires a Certificate of Appropriateness [COA] application,
and changes are subject to Secretary of Interior Standards.
The COA application is submitted through the Office of the City
Auditor and Clerk, is reviewed by staff, and is scheduled for a
hearing before the Historic Preservation Board. The application
should include clear building plans and other relevant information.
The Board has a deadline for submission of materials for presentations
and applications, and the schedule is presented below. Note:
Refer to the City´s Main Web Page and select "Watch
Live and Archived Meeting Videos" to view previous Historic
Preservation Board Agendas, Staff Reports, Audios of Meetings, and
Minutes.
Certificate
of Appropriateness [COA] Applications |
BUILDING COA
Forms to make exterior changes to LOCALLY
DESIGNATED structures. (Whenever filing a building permit.) |
MOVING COA
Forms to relocate a LOCALLY DESIGNATED
structure to a new location. |
DEMOLITION COA
Forms to request the demolition of
a LOCALLY DESIGNATED structure. |
Demolition Application - Structures Listed
on the Florida Master Site File [FMSF]
The State of Florida maintains a comprehensive
statewide list of locations and structures that are of historical
and archeological interest. That list is called the Florida
Master Site File [FMSF], and the structures listed on FMSF may be
eligible for national or local historic designation.
When an application for demolition
of a structure listed on FMSF is submitted, an historic review will
be conducted to determine if the structure is a contributing building
to a historic district, eligible for local or national designation
or if there are any viable alternatives to the demolition of the
structure. The review will include an evaluation prescribing what
measures are required to avoid, minimize, or mitigate the adverse
effect on the historic resource.
Any FMSF structure found to be non-contributing
or not eligible for either local or national designation may be
issued a demolition permit by the Director of Neighborhood and Development
Services.
FMSF structures that are eligible
for National Register designation, designation by the City, or as
a contributing building to a historic district will not be issued
a demolition permit until the Historic Preservation Board finds
appropriate mitigation measures have been undertaken. Contact
Dr. Clifford Smith, Senior Planner-Historic Preservation, at [941]
365-2200, ext. 4361 for additional information.
Application
for Demolition of an FMSF Structure
Public Art Program
The City’s Public Art Program
facilitates the creation and exhibition of a wide variety of publically
and privately initiated art works through commissions, acquisitions,
donations, loans governed by Zoning Code requirements for new development
in the downtown. Provided below are policies, requirements,
applications, Public Art Committee Members and meeting schedule.
Public
Art Requirements –Information Package and Application
2010
Committee Members and Meeting Dates
2009
Committee Members and Meeting Dates
Public Art Collection
For more information about the City´s
Public Art Program, please contact Dr. Clifford Smith, Senior Planner,
at (941) 365-2200, ext. 4361.
|