TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager
TITLE: Discussion Regarding Proposed Approaches for Commission Engagement Regarding Pending Development Applications.
Recommended Action
Review the proposed approaches for Commission engagement regarding pending development applications and provide direction regarding the desired level of Commission involvement.
City Commission Options
Option 1: Monthly informational development report.
• Pros:
o Supports Commission and public awareness of development activity.
o Maintains the existing development review and administrative approval process.
o Avoids the need for Unified Land Development Code (ULDC) amendments, additional resources, or Accela permit system modifications.
o Maintains compliance with statutory development review timelines.
• Cons:
o Does not establish a regularly scheduled public forum for Commissioners to ask questions regarding individual projects.
Option 2: Monthly Commission Workshop question and answer (Q&A).
• Pros:
o Supports Commission and public awareness of development activity.
o Provides an opportunity for Commissioners to ask questions and receive additional information regarding pending projects during a public meeting.
o Maintains the existing development review and administrative approval process.
o Avoids the need for ULDC amendments and Accela permit system modifications.
• Cons:
o Adds recurring workshop agenda time and will require additional staff and/or consultant resources to research and prepare responses to project-specific questions.
Option 3: Monthly Commission approval of development applications.
• Pros:
o Provides direct Commission consideration and formal action on the development application types identified by the Commission.
o Creates a public hearing process for those applications.
• Cons:
o Requires Ordinances for ULDC amendments and changes to the City’s fee schedule.
o Requires significant changes to the Accela permitting system.
o Requires additional staff, consultants, and potentially legal resources.
o Introduces additional procedural requirements and time into application review.
o Introduces potential conflicts with Florida Statutes.
Background Information
During the September 8, 2026, City Commission Regular Meeting, the following direction was provided:
Ø “Direct the City Manager to draft an Ordinance providing for Commission review of all commercial, retail and multi-family projects monthly prior to any administrative approval.”
The Development Services Department is seeking clarification on this direction and has identified three potential levels of engagement for consideration.
Strategic Plan Pillar
Economic Development & Growth Management
Financial Impact
Not applicable.
Procurement
Not applicable.
Attachments:
1. Presentation
Prepared by: Alaina D. Ray, AICP, Development Services Director
Department Director: Alaina D. Ray, AICP, Development Services Director