TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager
TITLE: An Ordinance of the City of North Port, Florida, Regarding Quasi-Judicial Proceedings; Amending the Code of the City of North Port, Florida, Section 2-79 through 2-84[SW1][AS2]; Providing for Conflicts, Providing for Severability; and Providing an Effective Date.
Recommended Action
Option 1: Approve Ordinance No. 2025-29 on first reading and continue to second reading on September 23, 2025[SW3][AS4].
City Commission Options
Option 1: Approve Ordinance No. 2025-29 on first reading and continue to second reading on September 23, 2025.
* Pros: The amendments promote efficiency and consistency in City proceedings per the City Commission's Strategic Plan under the Good Governance Pillar, and:
o Align the regulations with updated case law to reduce legal exposure reflecting sound stewardship of public resources.
o Protect due process rights while maintaining consistency with applicable statutory provisions and established case law regarding standing in quasi-judicial proceedings.
o Streamline administrative review processes and clarify that only individuals or entities with a legally recognizable interest may obtain party status in quasi-judicial matters.
o Balance the rights of applicants, affected parties, and the general public in accordance with Florida law and constitutional principles.
* Cons: If the City Commission determines a person requesting aggrieved or adversely affected party status does not have standing, the requestor may be disgruntled.
Option 2: Deny Ordinance No. 2025-29.
* Pros: Retains the current regulations wherein aggrieved or adversely affected party standing is rarely, if ever, challenged, thereby avoiding disgruntlement.
* Cons: The following disadvantages are associated with denial of the ordinance:
o Avoids the direct review and determination of standing which may impact the City's arguments in any potenti...
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