Local Government: Tarpon Springs in Pinellas County, Florida
Date Created: 08/28/09
Last updated: 04/14/10

Tarpon Springs, FL Adopts Big Box Regulation Ordinance
The City Commission adopted Ordinance No. 2009-12 affecting Formula Based Retail (aka Big Box, according to the City Clerk). This ordinance was proposed because the City believes that it will assist in maintaining the long-term economic health of the City as a whole through promoting a balanced mix of local, regional, and national-based businesses. The scale and design of improvements to existing development is an important factor in the overall aesthetic character of the City's commercial areas. Amending the Comprehensive Zoning and Land Development Code in this manner would ensure that new development is in scale and consistent with the surrounding neighborhood while also preserving the unique and historic character of our City. The ordinance will attempt to "balance the interests" such that they can control the appearance, design and placement of retail chain stores without creating an overly-burdensome process that may have the un-intended consequence of driving such businesses away from the community altogether.

Issue History
10/07/09The ordinance was adopted at the 10/6/09 meeting. The final version of the ordinance is listed below.
10/01/09The City Commission will hold a second reading at the 10/6/09 meeting.
09/16/09The Commission approved the ordinance on the first reading. The second reading is scheduled for 10/6/09. According to the Planning and Zoning Department, the Commission added clarifying language to reiterate the fact that projects in the historic district have to be approved by the Historic Preservation Board.
09/11/09The City Commission will hold a first reading at the 9/15/09 meeting. A second reading is tentatively scheduled for 10/6/09.
08/28/09The City Commission was planning to hold a first reading at the 9/1/09 meeting, but has deferred the meeting date to 9/15/09.

Related Documents

10/7/09 FINAL Ordinance
10/6/09 Ordinance and Background
10/6/09 Meeting Agenda
9/15/09 Ordinance and Background
9/15/09 Meeting Agenda
10/3/08 Article from The Suncoast News
9/1/09 Meeting Agenda

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