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Neighborhood Design Standards Proposal

Arlington Park Neighborhood

Housing Design Standards Proposal

On October 3, 2005, the Arlington Park Neighborhood Action Strategy Plan was adopted by the Sarasota City Commission. Through a series of meetings with the Arlington Park Neighborhood Association and residents, and in coordination with the City Neighborhood Office, information was collected to assist in the development of goals, objectives, and recommended action.

On pages 19-20 of the Arlington Park Neighborhood Action Strategy document, the following issues are identified concerning land use and zoning:

  • A developmental threat comes from "tear-downs" and "mcmansions" being built.
  • Citizens believe residential development would be more accepted if new houses were built to blend in architecturally with the surrounding homes in order to maintain the existing character of the neighborhood.

In response, the Arlington Park Neighborhood Association wishes to discuss possible changes in the city's zoning code that would address these issues. Before any request is made to the city, we want to welcome discussion from all Arlington Park residents and surrounding developers. The preliminary recommendation, similiar to design standards found in the Laurel Park neighborhood (RSM-9 Zone District), are listed below.

  1. Maximum Height. Limit the maximum height for all new structures to 28 feet. The current limit is 35 feet.
  2. Utility Lines. Require all new utility feed lines be placed underground.
  3. Front Entry. Require new buildings to face the street and include a front door.
  4. Front Windows. Require new buildings to incorporate a minimum of 15% glass in the front facade.
  5. Front Porch. Require new buildings to include a porch, deck or similar open-air covered entry feature. The porch, deck
    or similar feature shall be a minimum of 6 feet deep and 8 feet wide.
  6. Garage / Carport Placement. Require new garages and carports to be set back at least 15 feet from the front facade of the primary bulding and at least 25 feet from the front lot line. If there is more than one front line, this standard applies to the front yard that contains the front entry. The width of any attached garage or carport area may not exceed 50 percent of the primary building's front facade.
  7. Fences, hedges and walls. Limit the maximum height of fences, hedges and walls in the front yard to 4 feet. The current limit is 6.5 feet.
  8. Building elevation. Where it is necessary to elevate a building above grade, propose that fill may not be used to elevate the lot above the grade of any adjacent lot. In such cases where the building is elevated, a stem wall foundation shall be used and openings beneath the structure shall be screened with materials consistent with the design of the building.
  9. Accessory Dwellings. Allow accessory dwellings (independent living units) to be built subject to design standards and limited to a maximum of 600 square feet.

These proposed zoning code changes will be discussed with our existing Housing Standards Committee and modificatiions and/or recommended changes will be presented to residents at future neighborhood association meetings. A series of public hearings (with mailed notification) will be held before the finalized proposal is presented to to the City for consideration.