City adopts comp-plan change clarifying zoning code holds official primary-grid streets map
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Summary
The commission adopted a city-initiated comprehensive plan amendment (ordinance 25-5577) clarifying that the zoning code — not the downtown master plan — contains the authoritative primary grid streets map; the change resolves a long-standing internal inconsistency.
The City Commission adopted ordinance 25-5577 on Oct. 6, a staff-initiated amendment to the Future Land Use chapter of the Sarasota City Plan clarifying that the zoning code, not the downtown master plan, contains the official primary-grid-streets map.
David Smith, manager of long-range planning, explained the change follows a technical cleanup initiated after the primary-grid map was removed from the comprehensive plan in 2021 to avoid duplication with the zoning code section that contains the map. The amendment relocates existing text from the downtown master plan section of the future land-use chapter into the land-development-regulations section and updates cross-references so the zoning code (section 4-1406 of city code) is the regulating document.
Smith told the commission the amendment does not change any primary-grid street designations; it simply clarifies which document governs them. The Planning Board had recommended transmission and adoption in May 2025. The amendment cleared state review with no adverse comments and passed the commission unanimously.