Government » Development Services

Development Review

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Development Review staff, through review of new development projects, ensures that the long-range plans of the City are implemented and that new development adheres to the City´s codes and regulations. Every new project is different and City Planners work with developers, architects, engineers, attorneys and neighborhood representatives to achieve a balanced integration between new development and the built environment.

Development Review staff has preparedthe below flow charts to assist our citizens in better understanding the development review process:

The Development Review Committee (DRC ) is composed of City Staff from various Departments/Divisions. The DRC:

  • Meets on the first and third Wednesday of every month to coordinate and analyze requests for development approval, such as rezonings and site plans.
  • Meetings begin at 9:00 a.m. and are typically held in the City Commission Chambers in City Hall.
  • Meetings are open to the public however participation is limited to committee members, unless a committee member requests information of an applicant (Reference: Zoning Code, Section III-603)

To simplify and streamline the DRC review process in terms of completeness and technical review, the submission deadlines for development applications have been revised.

  • View the 2024 submission deadlines/review schedule for development applications for Completeness and Technical Review by the DRC.
  • View the 2024 schedule for placement on a Planning Board/City Commission public hearing meeting schedule based on the date the project receives full DRC sign-off.
  • View the 2025 submission deadlines/review schedule for development applications for Completeness and Technical Review by the DRC.
  • View the 2025 schedule for placement on a Planning Board/City Commission public hearing meeting schedule based on the date the project receives full DRC sign-off.

Planning Board

The Planning Board / Local Planning Agency holds public hearings and makes recommendations to the City Commission on a variety of development applications and related issues including:

  • Proposed amendments to the Sarasota City Plan (2030) and the Sarasota Zoning Code (2002 Ed.);
  • Ordinances and regulations governing development of land in the City;
  • Whether proposed development conforms to the principles and requirements of the Sarasota City Plan (2030).

Planning Board members are volunteers appointed by the City Commission to serve three-year terms. Members of the Planning Board are required to be City residents who do not hold any public position or office in City Government.

Board of Adjustment - Variance Application

The Board of Adjustment has the authority to decide appeals of any written determination or interpretation of the Zoning Code by the Director of Development Services and to grant variances from the regulations of the Zoning Code if they have resulted in an unnecessary or undue hardship. The Board of Adjustment consists of 5 members who are volunteers appointed by the City Commission to serve three-year terms. Members of the Board are required to be City residents who do not hold any public position or office in City Government. Generally, the Board meets on the last Wednesday of each month at 1:30 p.m.