§ 158.009. Description of districts and district policies.

(A)

Areas designated as Open Space (OS) on the Town of Longboat Key Zoning Map shall be regulated as to type and intensity of development by the following definitions:

(1)

Open Space—Active (OS-A) is publicly-owned or controlled open space which is designed, used or intended to be used for recreational activities by residents and visitors with on-site improvements, structures or other active, player-oriented facilities such as playgrounds, ballfields, tennis courts and associated accessory facilities. Impervious surface coverage is limited to 30 percent of the lot or parcel.

(2)

Open Space—Passive (OS-P) is publicly-owned or controlled open space which is designed, used or intended to be used primarily for less-active leisure pursuits, such as nature trails, nature centers and associated accessory structures such as restrooms, boardwalks, docks and parking areas (including ingress/egress aisles). Impervious surface coverage is limited to 15 percent of the lot or parcel.

(3)

Open Space—Conservation (OS-C) is publicly-owned or controlled open space which is designed, used or intended to be used for the protection and management of natural areas or archaeological sites. These areas shall remain in their natural state with little or no disturbance. Structures are limited to improvements such as boardwalks, permeable pathways and signage necessary for conservation management, limited public access and resource related educational activities.

(B)

Community Facility Institutional District (INS)—Established for lands accommodating public and semipublic facilities such as schools, government buildings, civic centers, worship centers, parks and recreation areas, cemeteries, fire, police, marine facilities, nursing homes, and emergency operation center facilities. Public facilities and utilities will be located to best maximize the efficiency of services provided, minimize costs, and minimize impacts on the natural environment.

(C)

Island Preserve Residential District (R-1IP)—Established for islands surrounding the core of the barrier island. These areas shall not exceed a development intensity of one dwelling unit per five acres. This policy recognizes the inaccessibility of the area to the mainland, including the lack of any transportation linkage by land and therefore the total lack or any needed emergency services to the respective islands. Development shall be adequately supported by public services and facilities which shall be provided by the developer prior to construction of any habitable structures.

(D)

Single-Family Low-Density Estate Residential District (R-1SF)—Established for single-family low-density residential estate development, including community residential homes with six or fewer residents plus staff per dwelling unit, at a density of one per acre and shall be restricted to development of single-family detached units with a density no greater than one dwelling unit per acre. This district is intended to protect and preserve opportunities for low-density single-family estates at a density of up to one unit per acre. This district is particularly adaptive to highly valued water-oriented sites along the bay, bayou or gulf. It provides for land area for accommodating a unique lifestyle which cannot be accommodated in the more dense residential areas. The district is designed to permit development compatible with the need for preserving an estate character and minimizing potential adverse impacts to fragile natural systems, including estuaries and the dune systems respectively. In areas where existing development is characterized by densities lower than one unit per acre, zoning policy shall be applied which assures that future development or redevelopment of such areas is consistent with prevailing densities. In this manner, opportunities for a range of relatively low estate densities shall be preserved, while minimizing potential disruption to open space and natural systems.

(E)

Single-Family Low-Density Residential District (R-2SF)—Established for single-family low-density residential development, including community residential homes with six or fewer residents plus staff per dwelling unit, at a density of two dwelling units per acre and shall be restricted to development of single-family detached structure types with a density of not to exceed two dwelling units per acre. This district is intended to protect and preserve single-family residential areas with a density up to two units per acre. This district is generally adaptive to larger lots located along Gulf of Mexico Drive adjacent to saltwater bodies. It provides for land area for accommodating a unique lifestyle which cannot be accommodated in the more dense residential areas and is designed to permit development compatible with the need for preserving the established density pattern and minimizing potential adverse impacts to fragile natural systems. In areas where existing development is characterized by densities lower than two units per acre, zoning policy shall be applied which assures that future development or redevelopment of such areas is consistent with prevailing densities. In this manner opportunities for a range of relatively low densities shall be preserved while minimizing potential disruption to open space and natural systems.

(F)

Single-Family Low-Medium-Density Residential District (R-3SF)—Established for low-medium-density residential development, including community residential homes with six or fewer residents plus staff per dwelling unit, for single-family detached dwelling units only and shall be developed, redeveloped and/or maintained as stable low-medium-density single-family detached residential neighborhoods with a density not to exceed three dwelling units per acre. It is the intent of this district to provide sufficient acreage for medium-density residential development which will be adequately supported by existing or anticipated future public services and facilities. Review of specific development densities shall be directed toward preserving stability of established residential areas. In addition, site plan review of specific development proposals shall provide for smooth transitions in residential densities. Generally, low-medium-density areas are located between the perimeter of low-density residential areas and areas designated for high-density residential concentrations or less restrictive nonresidential uses. Sufficient open space and landscaped screening and buffering systems shall be used to alleviate the potential adverse impacts of land use transition.

(G)

Single-Family Medium-Density Residential District (R-4SF)—Established for medium-density residential development, including community residential homes with six or fewer residents plus staff per dwelling unit, for single-family detached units only and shall be developed, redeveloped and/or maintained as stable medium-density single-family detached residential neighborhoods with a density not to exceed four dwelling units per acre. It is the intent of this district to provide sufficient acreage for medium-density residential development which will be adequately supported by existing or anticipated future public services and facilities, with the intention of preserving the stability of established residential areas. Other considerations shall include the need to preserve natural hydrologic cycles and floodplain areas to the greatest reasonable extent. In addition, site plan review of specific development proposals shall provide for smooth transitions in residential densities. Generally, medium-density areas should be located between the perimeter of low-density residential areas and areas designated for high-density residential concentrations or less restrictive nonresidential uses. Sufficient open space and landscaped screening and buffering systems shall be used to alleviate the potential adverse impacts of land use transition.

(H)

Single-Family High-Density Residential District (R-6SF)—Established for high-density residential development, including community residential homes with six or fewer residents plus staff per dwelling unit, for single-family detached dwelling units only, ranging up to a maximum of six units per acre. The high-density policy designation is intended to provide for high-density residential development which will be adequately supported by existing or anticipated public services and facilities and compatible with the surrounding area. The specific areas designated for high-density development should be developed to an intensity which is consistent with the carrying capacity of Gulf of Mexico Drive. Similarly, the site shall be provided with requisite urban services to support high density residential development. Development in the district should not be located along the narrow land corridor paralleling the dune system along the Gulf of Mexico, west of Gulf of Mexico Drive and within the highest velocity zone of hurricanes as represented in the federal flood insurance rate maps. Specific density of future development proposals within these areas shall provide for smooth transition in residential density, preserve stability of established residential areas, and shall include sufficient open space, parking and landscaping to reinforce goals and objectives for quality living areas.

(I)

Low-Medium-Density Mixed Residential District (R-3MX)—Established for low-medium-density residential development, including community residential homes, with mixed structure types and may develop with a mixture of single-family detached dwelling units as well as multiple-family dwelling units with a density not to exceed three dwelling units per acre. It is the intent of this district to provide for sufficient acreage for medium-density residential development which will be adequately supported by existing or anticipated future public services and facilities. Review of specific development densities shall be directed toward preserving stability of established residential areas. In addition, site plan review of specific development proposals shall provide for smooth transitions in residential densities. Generally, low-medium-density areas are located between the perimeter of low-density residential areas and areas designated for high-density residential concentrations or less restrictive nonresidential uses. Sufficient open space and landscaped screening and buffering systems shall be used to alleviate the potential adverse impacts of land use transition.

(J)

Medium-Density Mixed Residential District (R-4MX)—Established for medium-density residential development, including community residential homes, with mixed structure types and may develop with detached single-family units, multiple-family units, a mixture of single-family detached dwelling units as well as multiple-family dwelling units with a density not to exceed four dwelling units per acre. It is the density residential development which will be adequately supported by existing or anticipated future public services and facilities, with the intention of preserving the stability of established residential areas. Other considerations shall include the need to [preserve natural hydrologic cycles and floodplain areas to the] greatest reasonable extent. In addition, site plan review of specific development proposals shall provide for smooth transitions in residential densities. Generally, medium-density areas should be located between the perimeter of low-density residential areas and areas designated for high-density residential concentrations or less restrictive nonresidential uses. Sufficient open space and landscaped screening and buffering systems shall be used to alleviate the potential adverse impacts of land use transition.

(K)

High-Density Mixed Residential District (R-6MX)—Established for high-density residential development, including community residential homes, with mixed structure types and may develop with detached single-family units, multiple-family units, a mixture of single-family detached dwelling units as well as multiple-family dwelling units ranging up to a maximum of six units per acre. The high-density policy designation is intended to provide for high-density residential development which will be adequately supported by existing or anticipated public services and facilities, and compatible with the surrounding area. The specific areas designated for high-density development should be developed to an intensity which is consistent with the carrying capacity of Gulf of Mexico Drive. Similarly, the site shall be provided with requisite urban services to support high-density residential development. Development in the district shall not be located along the narrow land corridor paralleling the dune system along the Gulf of Mexico, west of Gulf of Mexico Drive and within the highest velocity zone of hurricanes as represented in the federal flood insurance rate maps, except as otherwise provided for in this chapter. Specific density of future development proposals within these areas shall provide for smooth transition in residential density, preserve stability of established residential areas, and shall include sufficient open space, parking and landscaping to reinforce goals and objectives for quality living areas.

(L)

Mixed Use Community - Bay Isles (MUC-1), Mixed Use Community - Islandside (MUC-2), and Mixed Use Community - Promenade/Water Club (MUC-3). MUC districts allow a mix of residential and nonresidential uses in planned communities developed through the planned unit development procedures and standards contained in sections 158.065 through 158.071. Notwithstanding the terms of any other section of this Zoning Code related to the calculation of density for residential or tourism uses, density in each MUC district cannot exceed the overall density of tourism and dwelling units per acre established by section 158.008 and cannot exceed any further limitations on the overall density that may be established by the town commission for an MUC district during the planned unit development process. When computing overall density in an MUC district, all property is counted, including recreational areas, open space areas, road rights-of-way, wetland areas and other nonresidential lands. An updated land intensity schedule shall be approved with each amendment to a MUC district. Clustered development patterns are encouraged to maximize shared open spaces, thus a specific parcel or parcels within a given MUC district may be more dense than the overall density of the MUC district.

The approval of units on any parcel beyond the 892 units in MUC-2 and 1,267 units in MUC-1 authorized by resolution or ordinance prior to January 1, 2014, can be requested through the ODP/PUD process. Approval of additional units is not guaranteed, and in no case may the number of additional units cause the overall density for the entire MUC district to be exceeded.

No boundary of any existing MUC district may be expanded to include additional land.

The town shall not use the ODP/PUD process to approve new tourism units in the MUC-2 zoning district without voter approval, unless voter approval is prohibited by applicable Florida law.

A minimum of 50 percent of the total property within each MUC district shall be maintained in open space. Acreage for recreational uses is not limited. Any changes to existing land-use patterns require approval through the ODP/PUD process and shall be in accordance with the schedule of uses in section 158.125 and shall meet the approval standards in subsection 158.067(C). The general mix of uses within the boundaries of each MUC district, as calculated prior to the application of the 50 percent open space requirement, is allocated as follows:

(1)

Mixed Use Community - Bay Isles (MUC-1). This district encompasses the Bay Isles community approved by Resolution 75-27 as it has been and may be amended from time to time. Overall density within the boundaries of the MUC-1 district shall not exceed 3.26 dwelling units per acre.

Use	Maximum Percent of Total Property Within MUC-1
Residential	37%
Tourism (units and associated resort/tourism uses)	0%
Commercial/Office	4%
Institutional	2.5%

 

(2)

Mixed Use Community - Islandside (MUC-2). This district encompasses the Islandside community approved by Resolution 76-7 as it has been and may be amended from time to time. Overall density within the boundaries of the MUC-2 district shall not exceed 5.05 units per acre, including tourism units.

Use	Maximum Percent of Total Property Within MUC-2
Residential	33%
Tourism (units and associated resort/tourism uses)	12%
Commercial/Office	1.5%
Institutional	0%

 

(3)

Mixed Use Community - Promenade/Water Club (MUC-3). This district encompasses the Promenade/Water Club communities approved by Resolution 81-8, as it has been and may be amended from time to time. Overall density within the boundaries of the MUC-3 district shall not exceed 11.26 dwelling units per acre.

Use	Maximum Percent of Total Property Within MUC-3
Residential	100%
Tourism	0%
Commercial/Office	0%
Institutional	0%

 

(M)

Office-Institutional District (OI)—Established for mixed land uses to accommodate development of offices, and institutional uses, including, but not limited to, banks and financial institutions. This district is intended to provide additional land development options for office and institutional land uses. Due to their generally close proximity to residential uses, these facilities shall provide a solid masonry fence and/or a berm with landscaping in order to reduce adverse impacts on adjacent residential development. The design including the material, height and screening characteristics shall satisfy sign requirements of chapter 156 and this Zoning Code.

(N)

Limited Commercial District (C-1)—Established for commercial sites accessible to major thoroughfares near residential neighborhoods. Such development is intended to provide essential tourist or household services in locations highly accessible to residential areas. For instance, sites within this district are intended to accommodate neighborhood shops with limited inventory or goods as well as selected resort commercial uses. Such shops generally cater to the following markets: 1) neighborhood residential markets within the immediate vicinity as opposed to town-wide or regional markets; 2) a specialized market with customized market demands; or 3) a tourist- or resort-oriented market in the immediate vicinity.

Commercial development within this district shall generally be restricted to any uses which are permitted in the office-institutional (OI) designated areas as well as the following uses: Neighborhood convenience stores; small limited item shops and stores restricted to retail sales of convenience items and services including, barber, beauty care, and other personal services; small-scale drugstores, laundry and dry cleaning pickup stations; florist shops and other specialty shops; and small-scale tourist-oriented activities associated with safeguarding the stability and integrity of adjacent residential areas.

Areas designated for limited commercial development are not intended to accommodate large-scale retail sales, service and market. Such stores would usually differ from limited commercial shops since the former would usually require a large floor area, carry a relatively larger inventory and require a substantially greater parking area. Uses which are not permitted within the limited commercial district include, but are not limited to the following: Large-scale discount stores; health spas; supermarkets; department stores; wholesale and warehousing activities; general appliance shops; printing shops; sales, service or repair of motor vehicles; machine equipment or accessory parts, including tire and battery shops, gas and automotive service centers; commercial amusements; lawn and garden centers and plant nurseries; fast-food establishments primarily serving in disposable containers and/or providing drive-in facilities; and other similar services to be expressly defined in the zoning regulations of this chapter.

(O)

General Commercial District (C-2)—Established for purposes of accommodating general retail sales and services, including lawn and garden centers.

These areas are located in highly accessible areas adjacent to major or minor arterials which possess necessary location and market requirements. Zoning policy shall stipulate provisions for distributing various levels of shopping facilities.

Uses which are not permitted within the general commercial district include, but are not limited to the following: Heavy vehicular sales, services or maintenance activities; wholesaling; warehousing; uses requiring extensive outside storage; plant nurseries; or other activities or trades which may generate nuisance impacts, including glare, smoke or other air pollutants, noise vibration or major fire hazards.

The areas designated for general commercial development are specifically not adaptive to permanent residential housing, and such residential uses shall be located in other areas designated for residential development.

(P)

Highway-Oriented Commercial District (C-3)—Established for strategically located sites adjacent to major arterials having sufficient size, including frontage and depth, to accommodate not only the intended use but also sufficient area for implementing an efficient system of internal vehicular circulation, including consideration of space required for queuing of vehicles on-site, off-street parking and maneuvering, landscaping, screening and buffering from abutting residential development or less intensive commercial use, and efficient location and design of curb cuts.

Highway-oriented commercial uses include vehicular service stations limited to minor fuel sales, service, and minor repair which shall exclude body repair and finishings; hotel, [motel and restaurant accommodations; lawn and garden centers, but] not plant nurseries; and other retail sales and services oriented to the motoring public or transient resident. Lands designated for highway-oriented commercial services should not be located adjacent to residential development.

(Q)

Marine Commercial Service District (M-1)—Established for the allocation of land resources for existing and anticipated future commercial service such as marine repair and services, employee services, storage and commercial support services.

Marine and commercial service areas are not adaptive to residential use. Therefore, residential uses shall not be located in these districts. This provision shall not prohibit residences for night watchmen or custodians whose presence on such sites is necessary for security purposes. Such a use may be permitted as an accessory use through appropriate zoning procedures.

Industry requiring a broad-based labor market, convenient access to a regional transportation system, relatively high demand for water and wastewater services, and other uniquely characteristic needs of industry, shall not be located within the barrier islands of the Town of Longboat Key. Such activities conflict with goals, objectives and policies of the Comprehensive Plan for Longboat Key and are generally inconsistent with sound planning principles and practices for managing development, redevelopment and resource conservation activities on the narrow, environmentally fragile barrier islands with substantially limited access to industrial labor, resource and product markets.

(R)

Low-Medium-Density Tourist Resort Commercial District (T-3) and High-Density Tourist Resort Commercial District (T-6)—Established to accommodate the unique land needs for resort-oriented facilities. These facilities generally are marketed as vacation accommodations for tourists and other transients seeking an environment with a high level of amenities. The low-medium-density tourist resort commercial district and the high-density tourist resort commercial district are allocated to sites which shall accommodate densities not to exceed three tourist units per acre and six tourist units per acre respectively. Regulations shall be provided to minimize adverse impact on the transportation system, realizing that trip generation for transient residential facilities is generally higher than year-round accommodations. Similarly, the regulations shall provide for recreation and open space amenities on site, consistent with the purpose and intent of these districts. All commercially provided recreational activities requiring shoreline or near shore water utilization shall be concentrated at the commercial hotel facilities.

(Ord. 90-06, passed 3-19-90; Amd. Ord. 05-13, passed 12-5-05; Ord. 2010-16, § 2, passed 5-20-10; Ord. 2012-08, § 4, passed 7-2-12; Ord. 2013-20, § 8, passed 6-30-14)