AGENDA ITEM REPORT
TITLE:
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AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CITY’S CODE OF ORDINANCES BY AMENDING CHAPTER 13, “LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE,” SECTION 13-16, “PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD,” TO ADD QUALIFICATIONS IN THE FIELD OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TO THE BOARD MEMBER COMPOSITION. (FIRST READING)
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BACKGROUND:
In January 2025, the City Commission appointed a Charter Review Board pursuant to Section 907 of the City of Coconut Creek Charter. The Charter Review Board submitted a final report to the City Commission dated April 16, 2025, which included a recommendation that the City Commission consider revising the criteria for consideration for Planning and Zoning Board membership to add experience in economic development as an additional category of relevant experience. The City Commission, at its May 22, 2025 meeting, directed City staff to draft language incorporating the proposed criteria.
DISCUSSION:
The attached Ordinance adds experience in economic development as one of several criteria for consideration in the evaluation of applicants for the Planning and Zoning Board. The code directs that Planning and Zoning Board members shall, to the extent practicable, represent interests, specialties and qualifications in any of the following fields: architecture, construction, economic development, engineering, environmental science, land use, land development, landscape architecture, law, real estate, sustainability, or urban planning. Alternatively, the City Commission may determine that an individual demonstrates strong and sincere commitment to the intent set forth in the City Code or possession of an outstanding reputation for civic activity and interest, integrity, and responsibility, with preference to applicants who have completed Coconut Creek Citizen's Academy.
The term "economic development" largely refers to the process by which the economic wellbeing and quality of life of a community is improved according to set goals and objectives. It involves building dynamic, sustainable, innovative, and people-centered economies. The criteria is broad but very relevant to the Planning and Zoning Board's planning goals and provides the opportunity for the City Commission to consider an applicant's experience under the economic development umbrella that, in the Commission's opinion, may be relevant to the duties of the Planning and Zoning Board.
RECOMMENDATION:
The Planning and Zoning Board, at its June 11, 2025, meeting, recommended approval of this ordinance, and staff recommends approval of this ordinance.
FISCAL IMPACT: N/A