The board’s concerns about the city’s development standards prompted a examination of the comprehensive plan update. The involvement of Calvin Giordano and Associates was critical for a vision-focused review. The update process was discussed in four phases, a methodical approach to shaping the city’s growth. The board emphasized the importance of public engagement at every stage, seeking to ensure that the city’s residents have a strong voice in the planning process. They also recommended that other boards should have input on the recommendations report, and called for transparent public meetings to gather valuable feedback.

In the realm of permit processing, the board highlighted inefficiencies and suggested a more rigorous application process to streamline approvals, especially for smaller projects. The board also tackled the city’s fee schedule for large resort district projects, questioning whether it adequately compensated for staff labor during the review process. The possibility of charging for incomplete permit applications was discussed, alongside the proposal to hire outside sources to help with the high volume of applications faced by the city’s staff.

The board’s engagement with the city commission was also a focal point, with members expressing the need for a unified planning voice. They suggested more frequent workshops and joint sessions with the commission to foster effective communication and shared decision-making.

The debate over implementing an online permitting system revealed mixed feelings. While there was recognition of the advantages of digital processes, concerns were raised about potential sticking points in the system. The board also discussed the city’s plan to register commercial users of the boat ramps, debating appropriate fees and the challenges of staffing and enforcing regulations. This conversation extended to broader staffing issues within the city departments, the impact of pay increases on the budget, and the possibility of outsourcing building permits to Pinellas County.