Planning Board

The Planning Board shall have the following powers and duties:

(1) To acquire, compile and collate all available data, materials, statistics, maps, photographs, reports and studies necessary to obtain an understanding of past conditions and present trends, which affect the city and the economic and general welfare of its residents. The board shall evaluate data and determine the past, present and future trends as they relate to population, property values, economic bases, land use, and to evolve the principles and policies required to guide the direction and type of future development and expansion of the city.

(2) To conduct such public hearings as may be helpful in gathering information and data necessary for the presentation of suitable and appropriate plans for the comprehensive and systematic development of the city and to transmit the same for consideration by the city commission.

(3) To make, cause to be made, or obtain special studies on the location, condition and adequacy of specific facilities of the city. These may include, but are not limited to, studies on single and multiple-family housing, including hotels, apartment buildings, cooperatives and condominiums, commercial and industrial conditions and facilities, beaches, parks, playgrounds and other recreational facilities, public buildings, public and private utilities, traffic, transportation and parking. The board shall be authorized to study and consider any and all studies made and published by the federal, state and county governments.

(4) To make appropriate studies of the location and extent of present and anticipated use of land, population, social and economic resources and problems, and to submit such data, with the recommendations of such board, to the city commission.

(5) To consider and to act upon any and all matters referred to it by the city commission or by the provisions of any city ordinance pertaining to land use and to submit its findings and recommendations on such matters to the city commission.

(6) In granting a request, the board may prescribe appropriate conditions and safeguards which are consistent and supportive of the city's comprehensive plan, neighborhood plan or capital improvement plan. Violation of such conditions and safeguards shall be deemed a violation of these land development regulations.

(7) To carry out its responsibilities as the local planning agency pursuant to the state and the Local Government Comprehensive Planning and Land Development Regulations Act (F.S. ch. 163).

(8) To insure a high degree of aesthetics and promote quality in construction and design of buildings and structures so as to enhance the value of property and the physical environment of the city.

(9) To consider applications pertaining to conditional use permits, amendments to these land development regulations, change of zoning district boundaries and comprehensive plan amendments and future land use map changes.

(10) To promote reduced crime and fear of crime through the use of crime prevention through environmental design guidelines and strategies.

(11) To review the sale, exchange, conveyance or lease of ten years or longer of certain city-owned property, as provided in City Charter, subsection 1.03(b)4, entitled, "Disposition of city property," which requires approval by a majority (four-sevenths) vote of all members of the planning board. In reviewing such an application, the planning board shall consider the following review criteria, when applicable:

a. Whether or not the proposed use is in keeping with city goals and objectives and conforms to the city comprehensive plan.

b. If a sale, a determination as to whether or not alternatives are available for the acquisition of private property as an alternative to the proposed disposition or sale of city-owned properties, including assembly of adjacent properties, and impact of such assemblage on the adjacent neighborhood and the city in general.

c. The impact on adjacent properties, including the potential positive or negative impacts such as diminution of open space, increased traffic, adequate parking, noise level, enhanced property values, improved development patterns, and provision of necessary services.

d. Determination as to whether or not the proposed use is in keeping with the surrounding neighborhood, blocks views or creates other environmental intrusions, and evaluation of design and aesthetic considerations of the project.

e. A traffic circulation analysis and plan that details the impact of projected traffic on the immediate neighborhood and how this impact is to be mitigated.

f. Determination as to whether or not the proposed use is in keeping with a public purpose and community needs, and improving the community's overall quality of life.

g. If a lease is proposed, the duration and other nonfinancial terms of the lease.