Broward County Planning Council Regular Meeting and Public Hearing - March 27, 2025

The Broward County Planning Council convened on March 27, 2025 at 10:00 AM in Room 422 of the Governmental Center. The meeting included approval of the consent agenda, a detailed counsel's report on proposed state legislation (HB 943), an executive director's update on the BrowardNext policy update, and public hearings on three recertifications and one land use plan amendment, all of which were approved unanimously.

Consent Calendar

• C1 - Approval of Final Agenda: The agenda for June 25, 2026 was approved as presented, with additional agenda material noted.
• C2 - June 2026 Plat Reviews for Trafficways Plan Compliance: Approved unanimously.
• C3 - Approval of Summary Minutes of April 23, 2026: Approved unanimously.
• C4 - Attendance Record/Excused Absence Requests: Excused absences were noted for Chair Tommy DiGiorgio, Jr. and Commissioner Lamar Fisher (both due to travel), with Mayor Rex Hardin also excused from part of the meeting. All consent items were approved by a unanimous voice vote on a motion by Mayor Levy, second by Mayor Brunson.

Discussion Items

• R1 - Counsel's Report (HB 943 – Live Local Act expansion): Planning Council Attorney Andy Maurodis provided an extensive update on House Bill 943, characterizing it as "breathtaking in scope" and the most aggressive attempt yet to expand the Live Local Act. Key provisions discussed include: redefining compatibility to deem residential always compatible with residential; requiring municipalities to allow accessory dwelling units; expanding Live Local applicability to any site owned by a municipality, school district, or religious institution; expanding applicability to mixed-use and planned unit development zones; allowing Live Local in any residential area not zoned exclusively for single-family and duplex; prohibiting municipalities from directly or indirectly restricting density, height, floor area ratio, or parking (mandatory 20% reduction, 100% for projects under 20,000 sq ft); prohibiting quasi-judicial proceedings in approval; preempting local moratoria; and creating a cause of action with attorney's fees for developers. Council members expressed strong opposition. Mayor Levy urged residents to contact state representatives, calling it "one of the worst land use bills." Vice Chair Castillo noted that while urban counties are affected, rural counties may face greater threats. Dr. Zeman offered a different perspective, arguing that local governments' attempts to circumvent the original Live Local Act (via floor area ratios, etc.) provoked this expansion, and that increased land supply could lower housing costs. Councilmember Horland noted the potential loss of local control and sense of place.
• R3 - Executive Director's Report: Executive Director Barbara Blake Boy provided an update on the BrowardNext update process. The steering committee is reviewing draft policy language, permitted uses, definitions, and updates based on stakeholder input. A series of in-person and virtual workshops will be scheduled in May and June 2025. A public hearing before the Planning Council is anticipated in August 2025, potentially shifting to September. The goal remains to complete the process by spring 2026.

Public Hearing Items

• PH1 - Recertification PCR 26-4 (City of Oakland Park): Recertification of the City of Oakland Park Future Land Use Element text amendment. Staff recommended approval, noting substantial conformity with the Broward County Land Use Plan (BCLUP) despite limitations imposed by Senate Bill 180. The item was approved unanimously as part of a motion covering PH1, PH2, and PH3.
• PH2 - Recertification PCR 26-5 (City of Hollywood): Recertification of the City of Hollywood Future Land Use Element text amendment to add Commercial Recreation land use designation. Staff found substantial conformity. Approved unanimously.
• PH3 - Amendment PC 26-2 (City of Parkland): Small-scale amendment from Low (3) Residential and Irregular (4.2) Residential within a Dashed-Line Area to Commerce on approximately 34 acres (former Heron Bay Golf Course). Staff recommended approval recognizing a voluntary commitment to mitigate transportation impacts (1,333 additional p.m. peak hour trips). The applicant committed to traffic and safety evaluations, intersection improvements, and coordination with county agencies. Environmental concerns (arsenic contamination from former golf course use) are addressed through required remediation plans. Approved unanimously without requiring a second public hearing.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously (motion by Mayor Levy, second by Mayor Brunson).
• Public Hearings (PH1, PH2, PH3): All approved unanimously on a single motion by Mayor Gomez, second by Vice Chair Castillo. The Council did not require a second public hearing for PH3.
• No Action Taken: Item PH4 (Amendment PC 26-5, City of Weston) was not reached before adjournment. Regular agenda items R1 (Extension of Provisional Certifications) and R4 (Correspondence) were not discussed during the meeting as captured in the transcript.
• Next Meeting: The next regular meeting is scheduled for April 23, 2026 at 10:00 AM, though staff noted it may be cancelled if sufficient agenda items are not received.
• Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at approximately 10:58 AM on a motion by Commissioner Fisher.