Virtual workshop set for Sarasota affordable housing plan

City of Sarasota residents will have an opportunity to tell city staff what they think about proposed zoning text amendments to create three new Urban Mixed-Use zone districts along commercial corridors and commercial centers. The virtual public input session will be at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16 via Zoom.

The intent of the new zone districts is to identify existing commercial corridor and commercial center areas that are appropriate for mixed-use development and to incentivize on-site attainable housing. 

Based on the concepts of new urbanism, the Urban Mixed-Use Future Land Use classification and implementing Urban Mixed-Use zone districts are an effort to attract mixed-use developments that provide housing and workplaces in close proximity.

Topics for discussion include:

• Comprehensive Plan vs. zoning
• What has already been approved by City Commission
• Proposed density bonus when attainable housing is provided on site
• Development and design standards for mixed-use zone districts
• Development and design standards for commercial centers

Register for the session at SarasotaFL.gov.