Effective Oct. 1, 2008

School Concurrency
	Fee Schedule
	Application Process

Properties throughout the county are zoned residential or commercial. Each zoning district has a list of permitted uses or uses that may be appropriate under certain circumstances.

Fee Resolution 2007-229

• If an owner wants to change the zoning, or land use, of his property, an application for rezone or special exception or small area comprehensive plan amendment can be filed.

• Rezones and special exceptions are reviewed for consistency with the Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Ordinance and other local and state regulations

• Pre-application meetings are required as stated in the Sarasota County Zoning Ordinance, No. 2003-052, Article 3.1.5.

• The deadline to submit your materials for a pre-application meeting is two Fridays before the meeting. 

• See Pre-Application Meeting Schedule for 2008.

• Neighborhood workshops are required as stated in the Sarasota County Zoning Ordinance, No. 2003-052, Article 3.1.6.b. 

• All applications (Rezone, Special Exceptions, DRI's, DOCC's, NOPC's, Large and Small Area Comprehensive Plan Amendments) will be accepted Monday-Friday by appointment only.

	Active Petitions
	Affidavit for Posting / Rezone or Special Exception Petition
	Neighborhood Workshop Guide
	Neighborhood Workshop Sign In Sheet
	Neighborhood Workshop Mailing Labels Request
	Pre-Application Meeting Request Form
	Pre-Application Meeting Schedule for 2008
	Recently Closed Petitions
	Rezoning and Special Exception Application
	Rezoning and Special Exception Application Instruction
	Telecommunications Facilities Checklist (Towers)
	Planning and Development Services Fee Resolution 2007-229

FAQ's

Where can I get zoning and future land use information?
GIS/Mapping; enter a parcel identification number or address. Click on the layers tab to change from zoning to future land use and refresh the map. For specific zoning regulations such as setbacks, lot widths, permitted uses and other zoning district standards please call 941-861-5000.

How do I know what a property can be used for under its current zoning?
Go to Municode. Select the Online Library and go to Sarasota County Code of Ordinances, Appendix A, Article 5 - Use Regulations. Consult the Use Table to determine what uses are permitted, subject to limitations or require Special Exception.

How long does it take to process a Rezone or Special Exception?
It takes approximately 6-9 months, which includes a public hearing before the Planning Commission and the Sarasota County Commissioners. Expedited processing is available for certified Green Building projects and affordable housing.

What are the steps involved in the Rezone/Special Exception process?
1. Pre Application Meeting
2. Mail Notification for Neighborhood Workshop
3. Neighborhood Workshop
4. Application, Completeness Review (10 days), Formal Review (20 days)
5. Planning Commission Public Hearing (makes recommendation to the Board)
6. County Commissioner’s Public Hearing (final vote)

Is a Neighborhood Workshop required for a Rezone or Special Exception?
Yes, a workshop is required. Notification must be mailed to all property owners within a 500’ radius of the subject property (1500’ in semi-rural and rural areas). To obtain address labels or pre printed postcards; call Planning Services or fill out the Label Request form.

How do I submit a Rezone or Special Exception request?
Once the pre application meeting and Neighborhood Workshop have been held, the applicant may submit a completed application by appointment only. Call the Planner of the Day at 941-861-5000 for an appointment.

Why does the County recommend getting local professional assistance for submitting a Rezone or Special Exception Petition?
A local professional is familiar with the process as well as the applicable regulations and can assist you through the public hearing process.

How do I get information regarding a specific Rezone or Special Exception?
To see the status of current petitions, click on Active Petitions. For further assistance contact the Planner of the Day at 941-861-5000 or e-mail your question to planner@scgov.net.