TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager
TITLE: A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of North Port, Florida, Granting a Special Exception to Allow a Multi-Family Residential Use Located Generally at the Southeast Corner of South Toledo Blade Boulevard and Woodhaven Drive, in the Commercial General (CG) Zoning District Pursuant to the City of North Port Unified Land Development Code Section 53-40 and 53-259; Providing for Incorporation of Recitals; Providing for Conflicts; Providing for Severability; and Providing an Effective Date.
Recommended Action
Option 1: Deny Resolution No. 2026-R-20.
City Commission Options
Option 1: Deny Resolution No. 2026-R-20.
• Pros: Denial of the resolution aligns with the findings that this special exception petition does not meet all of the 16 standards listed in Section 53-259.A(3) of the Unified Land Development Code, reduces land available for non-residential development, is not consistent with the comprehensive plan, does not provide the maximum economic benefit to the city, and does not provide adequate transportation improvements.
• Cons: Staff identifies no disadvantages to denying the resolution.
Option 2: Approve Resolution No. 2026-R-20.
• Pros: Approval of the resolution adds an additional 155 units to the city’s multi-family housing stock.
• Cons: Approves a special exception request that reduces land available for nonresidential development, is not consistent with the comprehensive plan, does not provide the maximum economic benefit to the city, and does not provide adequate transportation improvements.
Background Information
On March 17, 2023, Nicola Tavernese, of Tavorb, LLC, the property owner, submitted a written petition request for a special exception to authorize a multifamily residential use development with a maximum of 155 dwelling units, with an amenity area and pool on a 10.34-acre portion of a parcel located on S. Toledo Blade Boulevard at Woodhaven Drive. (Note, the application indicates a request for 182 dwelling units which has since been reduced to 155-units). As this application was submitted before the current Unified Land Development Code (ULDC) was effective on October 28, 2024, it has been evaluated in accordance with the provisions of the 2010 ULDC and the applicable 2017 Comprehensive Plan which were in effect at time of submittal.
Resolution 2026-R-20 has been reviewed by the City Attorney and is legally correct as to form.
The Planning and Zoning Advisory Board held a hearing on April 2, 2026. The Board voted 5 to 1 to recommend that the City Commission approve Petition No. SPX-23-053, via Resolution No. 2026-R-20.
On April 7, 2026, Resolution No. 2026-R-20 was provided to the City Clerk’s Office for signatures, subject to City Commission approval.
Strategic Plan Pillar
Economic Development and Growth Management
Financial Impact
Not applicable.
Procurement
Not applicable
Attachments:
1. Aggrieved Party Quasi-Judicial Body Ruling Required Findings
2. Resolution No. 2026-R-20
3. Staff Report with Exhibits
4. Staff Presentation
5. PZAB Action Report
6. Exparte through April 20, 2026
7. Aggrieved Party - Morrison
Prepared by: Lori Barnes, AICP, CPM, Deputy Director, Development Services Department
Department Director: Alaina Ray, AICP, Director, Development Services Department