05:21The commission discussed an amendment to the land development code concerning home-based businesses. With Florida statutes recently revised, the commission needed to update local regulations to align with state law. This amendment allows the city to continue regulating aspects such as business taxes, the number of non-resident employees, heavy equipment storage, and traffic levels. However, specific types of business activities can no longer be restricted. Some commission members expressed frustration over state preemption, noting that local governance is often more effective. The amendment passed with unanimous support.

10:08Another topic addressed was a proposed amendment to expand the scope of economic incentives for developers, particularly in targeted areas like Riverwalk and Eastport. The amendment broadens the types of mitigations, such as tree and gopher tortoise relocations, that developers can request as part of economic incentive agreements. This change aims to facilitate development in designated areas, although it applies citywide. The amendment maintains the requirement for city council approval of any incentive agreements.

08:28Public comments included inquiries about the interaction between home-based businesses and homeowners’ association (HOA) regulations, specifically whether HOAs could restrict home-based businesses. City representatives clarified that HOA regulations are private matters and not enforced by the city.