During the Planning Commission meeting held on May 8-9, 2024, significant discussions centered around Zoning Text Amendment 2403, aimed at refining the definition of a maritime resort. The commission directed staff to conduct public outreach to gather community input, which included advertising the public hearing through various channels, including local media and social media platforms.

A public hearing on the amendment took place on June 13, 2024, where numerous comments were received from the public, both verbally and in writing. These comments were documented for the commission's review, ensuring transparency in the process. Following this feedback, staff revised the original draft definition, which was presented to the commission for consideration.

The proposed definition characterizes a maritime resort as a property that includes an active marina, restaurant, hotel, motel, and commercial recreational establishment. Notably, the revised definition allows for the potential inclusion of recreational vehicle (RV) camping spaces, contingent upon the approval of a conditional use permit. This permit would require a thorough land use evaluation to assess any environmental or infrastructural impacts.

Key stipulations within the proposed definition include restrictions on RV camping, limiting stays to no more than 30 consecutive days and a total of 30 days within a year. The definition explicitly prohibits the use of RV spaces for permanent housing or storage.

The commission emphasized that the development of this definition does not equate to the evaluation of specific properties but acknowledges the broader implications it may have on land use. The commission previously expressed openness to considering RV camping spaces but opted to defer decisions until all members were present and public input was fully considered.

As the commission moves forward, staff has provided a draft resolution for consideration, reflecting the community's feedback and the commission's discussions on the zoning text amendment.