Sarasota County New Form-Based Code for Mixed-Use Infill Development
This page provides information about a new form-based code for Sarasota County, Florida. Click here to go to Sarasota County's form-based codes web page.
	[click to enlarge either sample plan]

SUMMARY:

TRADITIONAL NEIGHBORHOOD DESIGN PRINCIPLES:  Proposals for mixed-use development in unincorporated Sarasota County are now eligible for rezoning to the new PMI zoning district if they incorporate the principles of traditional neighborhood design, including:
    i. A highly interconnected street network, dispersing traffic and providing convenient routes for pedestrians and bicyclists.
    ii. High-quality public spaces, with all building facades having windows and doors facing tree-lined streets, plazas, squares, or neighborhood parks.
    iii. Compact development, creating a walkable urban environment and conserving land and energy through reduced automobile usage and advanced techniques such as stormwater infiltration.
    iv. Diversity not homogeneity, with a variety of building types, street types, open spaces, and land uses providing for people of all ages and every form of mobility.
    v. Resilient and sustainable neighborhoods, adaptable over time to improved public transit and to changing economic conditions.

PROCESS FOR REQUESTING THE NEW PMI DISTRICT:  The new district provides form-based regulations that can be used to seek approval of a development concept plan formulated during a charrette-based planning process. This planning process would be a prerequisite for petitioning for this district.

APPLICABILITY:  Applicants can request that this district be applied to sites that meet one of the following criteria:
    i. MIXED-USE CENTERS: On land designated on the Future Land Use Map as Village I Center, Village II Center, Community Center, or Regional Center. Land designated as Major Employment Center also qualifies provided the Major Employment Center fronts on an arterial street.

    ii. REDEVELOPMENT CORRIDORS: Land designated commercial on the Future Land Use Map that front on US 41 from the southern edge of the City of Sarasota to Jacaranda Boulevard; on Bee Ridge Road from US 41 to Interstate 75; or on Stickney Point Road from the Intracoastal Waterway to Swift Road and on Clark Road from Swift Road to Interstate 75.

    iii. Land designated commercial on the Future Land Use Map, provided it is located within a designated Village Center or Town Center on the Future Land Use Map.

FOR DETAILS:

Click below to download the final version and earlier drafts of this code:

• Final version as adopted by the Board of County Commissioners on August 28, 2007.

• August 1, 2007, draft for final Board of County Commissioners public hearing on August 28

• July 1, 2007, draft for Board of County Commissioners public hearing on July 10

• May 9, 2007, draft for Planning Commission public hearing on May 9.

• April 5, 2007, draft for review at public workshop on April 23

• Click here to go to Sarasota County's form-based codes web page.

SCHEDULE:

• Final Board of County Commissioners public hearing: August 28, 2007
• First Board of County Commissioners public hearing: July 10, 2007
• Board of County Commissioners workshop: May 25, 2007
• Planning Commission public hearing: May 10, 2007
• Public workshop: April 23, 2007