Revamp of Zoning for Housing, Preservation & Parking
Pensacola's Zoning Rules Set for Major Overhaul to Boost Affordable Housing and Historic Preservation
Pensacola is considering a significant rewrite of its land development code (LDC), which governs property use and construction within the city. This potential overhaul comes after the completion of an assessment of the LDC by Inspire Placemaking Collective Inc., as reported by the Pensacola News Journal (PNJ) on June 10, 2024.
Inspire Placemaking Collective Inc., hired in 2023 for a $100,000 assessment, has recommended a reorganization of the LDC to enhance affordable housing, historic preservation efforts, and coastal resiliency. The assessment suggests that a full rewrite of the LDC, based on these recommendations, would cost $397,370 and involve multiple public meetings to gather input on proposed changes.
City staff are set to present the assessment report to the Pensacola Planning Board. Mayor D.C. Reeves has expressed his intention to move forward with the LDC rewrite, anticipating a challenging political landscape, especially concerning affordable housing.
Reeves indicated that the city is transitioning from the assessment phase to what he expects to be a contentious implementation phase. He emphasized the inevitable tension between facilitating growth and development while preserving neighborhood character and quality.
For residents of the Seville Square area, this means several key considerations:
Historic Preservation: Expect stricter regulations aimed at protecting the neighborhood's historic character. Stay informed about any changes that might affect your property.
Affordable Housing: New developments or zoning changes may impact housing density and demographics. Monitor how these changes might affect Seville Square.
Public Participation: Engage in public meetings to voice your concerns and influence decisions. Your input is crucial in shaping the neighborhood’s future.
Parking Changes: Be aware of potential changes in parking regulations. These could affect availability and rules in Seville Square.
Growth vs. Character: Watch for developments that could alter the neighborhood's charm. Balance growth with preserving Seville Square’s unique atmosphere.
Economic and Social Impact: Understand how zoning changes might affect property values, local businesses, and community cohesion. Stay proactive in addressing these impacts.
The assessment report, prepared by Patricia Tyjeski, project manager for Inspire Placemaking, highlights the need for a clearer, more understandable document. Tyjeski's memo recommends rearranging and consolidating many chapters of the LDC to improve its readability.
This initiative marks the beginning of what promises to be an in-depth and potentially contentious process to modernize Pensacola's zoning rules to better serve its residents and future growth needs.
By staying informed and involved, Seville Square residents can help ensure their neighborhood thrives amidst these changes.
For additional information, download the pdf’s of the City of Pensacola's Downtown Parking Survey results and the Pensacola Parking Consultant Report for further insights into related urban planning and development issues.