It is the intent of this article to provide procedures and standards for the creation of SPI Districts that are compatible with adjacent land uses and zoning and that conform to the Comprehensive Plan. It is the intent of this article that SPI Districts shall respect the intent of the conventional zoning district and context sub-district, be compatible with adjacent land uses and zoning and conform to the Comprehensive Plan. SPI Districts may be created under the following circumstances and conditions:

a.

To protect the existing or proposed character, or principal views of, from, or through areas designated by the City Commission as having special and substantial public interest;

b.

Where a special and substantial public interest exists in maintaining, protecting and planning for the future development of buildings, together with grounds and the visual environment; and

c.

Where special and substantial public interest requires the modification of otherwise applicable regulations or the supplanting of such regulations for the accomplishment of the special public purposes for which this SPI District is established.

(Ord. No. 5455, 07-21-14)

a.

SPI Districts may either supplant and replace districts or portions of districts existing at the time of the creation of an SPI District, or have the effect of modifying or supplementing the requirements, regulations and standards of the existing base districts or districts to the extent indicated in the SPI District amendment. Where an SPI District entirely supplants and replaces an existing district, the boundaries of the SPI District shall be mapped on the Official Zoning Atlas as the base district. Where an SPI District modifies or supplements the requirements, regulations or standards of an existing district, it shall be graphically depicted on the Official Zoning Atlas as a pattern or layer on top of the base zoning district.

b.

Modifications of or supplements to the requirements, regulations and standards of the existing base districts or districts are not variances and the terms are not synonymous.

(Ord. No. 5455, 07-21-14)

Only the Community Development Department, the Planning and Zoning Board or the City Commission may initiate proposals for the creation of SPI Districts. Each such proposal shall identify the subject zoning district by use of the SPI prefix followed by a number and such other information as shall be necessary.

Subject to such additional requirements as set forth in this article, adoption of SPI District amendments shall be by the same procedure as for land development code amendments generally.

(Ord. No. 5455, 07-21-14)

8.3.1

REQUIRED ELEMENTS

Each proposal for the creation of an SPI District shall at a minimum contain the following elements:

a.

Statement of Intent

A statement of intent, setting forth the nature of the special and substantial public interest and the objectives to be promoted by use of SPI District zoning within the district as a whole or within sub-areas of the district.

b.

Proposed District Boundaries

A map or legal description indicating the boundaries of the SPI District and any sub-areas of the district.

c.

Proposed Regulations

Regulations designed to promote the purpose of the SPI District, as set out in the statement of intent, and the extent to which they supplant and replace or modify the requirements, regulations and standards of the existing base district relating to:

1.

The type and scale of uses;

2.

Urban form;

3.

General site development standards;

4.

Other matters of importance to the special public interest of the district and which relate to the objectives to be promoted.

d.

Proposed Submittal Requirements

Requirements for the submission of site development plans, building plans, elevations and maps by proposed development.

e.

Proposed Review Requirements

Requirements for special review of development plans by the Community Development Department, the Planning and Zoning Board or other agency of the city as necessary to ensure compliance with SPI District regulations. Where special review of development plans is required, no building permit or Certificate of Occupancy shall be issued until after written approval is granted by all reviewing departments, boards or agencies.

(Ord. No. 5455, 07-21-14)

Only the Community Development Department, the Planning and Zoning Board or the City Commission may recommend proposed changes to any existing SPI District. Any change which involves expansion of the SPI District or a change in land use shall be considered a major modification. Other modifications may be declared major modifications if the Director of Community Development determines they deviate substantially from the approved SPI District regulations. Requests for major modifications shall follow the same procedure set forth herein for the creation of SPI Districts.

Any proposed change which does not constitute a major modification shall be considered a minor modification. Minor modifications may be approved by the Planning and Zoning Board upon the recommendation of the Director of Community Development. Action by the Planning & Zoning Board shall be final.

(Ord. No. 5455, 07-21-14)