Mixed Use Development Corridors
The City Commission identified Smart Growth as a City Commission Priority. As part of addressing this goal, and in anticipation of new development applications for residential units along major corridors based on adopted amendments to BrowardNext, Broward County Land Use Plan, Policy 2.16.4, as well as State’s Live Local Act, which permit the distribution of residential units in exchange for setting aside units as affordable, City staff in is the process of initiating a planning effort to amend mixed use zoning standards along the City’s major corridors. The intent is to establish form-based regulations that address building and streetscape design standards, as well as transition to adjacent neighborhoods, based on the context of each area.
Today, the City’s major corridors include a suburban pattern of single occupancy vehicle driven commercial development. As new development occurs along major corridors, the subsequent form-based requirements will encourage a more sustainable long-term growth pattern with a mix of uses, supporting multi-modal transportation, and a variety of housing options, enhancing overall livability of the City. In addition, revised code language will help to preserve surrounding neighborhoods by clearly identifying the appropriate building design standards that reflect the proper transition to neighborhoods, resulting in more predictability so residents and developers understand future development along these corridors.
Project Approach
The City is taking a two-phased approach on completing this effort. To date, an initial analysis has been completed by staff that examined the existing conditions along the City’s corridors, identified challenges and opportunities, evaluated existing land development regulations, and researched other cities as case studies. This initial analysis is summarized in the Mixed Use Development Planning Analysis Document.
Urban Land Institute Technical Assistance Panel
The first phase also included engaging the Urban Land Institute, Southeast Florida/Caribbean Region, to conduct a Technical Assistance Panel (TAP) for evaluating the potential of a mixed-use development zoning district with specific recommendations. The TAP met on December 6, 2023 and December 7, 2023, with interested stakeholders and staff to gain insight on the issues, examine opportunities, and generate recommendations. The TAP Report was completed on February 7, 2024 and Staff presented the recommendations at the February 20, 2023, City Commission Conference Meeting.
Public Outreach and Form-Based Regulations
The next phase of the project will include soliciting a professional planning firm to help staff conduct an extensive public outreach effort and complete a comprehensive outline of issues and recommendations based on the public input and TAP’s recommendations to establish consensus on potential code changes. The next phase is anticipated to start in Summer 2024.