Future Land Use Policies - Site plan review required

Objective 1.2

All developments, other than construction of individual single-family or two-family residences on a single lot, shall be permitted only through the site plan review process.

Policy 1.2.1

As administered through the land development regulations, multifamily residential and non-residential developments shall only be permitted through the site plan review process.

Policy 1.2.2

The site plan review provisions, as contained in the land development regulations, shall, at a minimum, address the following:

• Allowance for a creative approach for development or redevelopment;

• A requirement that more open space, if practical, be provided than that called for by the strict application of the minimum requirements of the land development regulations;

• A harmonious development of the site with consideration given to the surrounding areas and community facilities, while providing for safe and efficient traffic circulation;

• The establishment of procedures for the granting of increased structure height in exchange for increased open space and decreased amounts of impervious surfaces; and

• Other provisions as deemed appropriate by the city in keeping with the intent of the comprehensive plan and land development regulations.

Objective 1.3

New commercial development shall be required to be compatible with environmental and economic resources through the enforcement of the land development regulations.

Policy 1.3.1

Within any mixed use development, as appropriate, proper separation and buffering between residential and non-residential land uses shall be maintained through the administration of the land development regulations.

Policy 1.3.2

Neighborhood commercial facilities shall be located so as to serve residential areas without disrupting the residential quality of the area.

Policy 1.3.3

In order to minimize incompatibilities when residential and non-residential land uses share a common boundary, buffering shall be required, as appropriate.

Policy 1.3.4

The land development regulations shall ensure that commercial land uses are located in a manner which ensures their compatibility with the type and scale of surrounding land uses and where existing or programmed public facilities shall not be overburdened.

Policy 1.3.5

The city shall encourage the maintenance of tourist lodging facilities in keeping with the character of the community.

Policy 1.3.6

The conversion or development of tourist lodging units for use as permanent residential dwellings shall be prohibited within the Resort Facilities Medium and Resort Facilities High land use categories.

Policy 1.3.7

The city shall, through the land development regulations, ensure that commercial areas are located and designed so as to enhance safety by providing adequate off-street parking and loading areas and by separating pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

Policy 1.3.8

Through administration of the land development regulations, strip commercial development that compounds traffic and land use conflicts shall be strongly discouraged.

Policy 1.3.9

The city, through administration of the land development regulations and in cooperation with the Florida Department of Transportation and Pinellas County, shall minimize the amount of direct access onto major roads by controlling the number and location of curb cuts.