Broward County Planning Council Monthly Meeting - December 4, 2025

The Broward County Planning Council held its monthly meeting on December 4, 2025, at the Broward County Government Center in Fort Lauderdale. The meeting was called to order at approximately 10:00 a.m. under the leadership of the Council Chair. The council addressed three public hearing items, including a land use plan amendment in the City of Water Hill, a text amendment clarifying the environmentally sensitive lands map, and a text amendment deleting policies related to environmental justice. The consent agenda was approved unanimously, and the council received reports from the legislative liaison and the executive director.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was approved as presented with additions and changes, including excused absence requests for Mayor Brunson, Mayor Gomez, Councilmember Horland, Mayor Rayleigh, Mayor Castillo, and Mr. Rosinoff. Motion by Mayor Harden, second by Mayor Levy. Passed unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Audrey Fessick, Pompano Beach City Commissioner (District 1): Addressed the council regarding item PH2, the text amendment on environmentally sensitive lands (ESL). She respectfully requested that the planning council require a second public hearing for the amendment. Commissioner Fessick argued that the amendment could affect how ESL boundaries are interpreted and removals justified, and that a second hearing would ensure full review by affected municipalities, environmental agencies, and the public. She noted that Pompano Beach has ongoing land use and environmental map amendments involving ESL considerations, including the arboretum at the Pompano Beach Air Park, which contains imperiled pine scrub habitat and protected species.

Discussion Items

• Council Report (Andy Moretus): Reported that upcoming Florida legislative bills will significantly impact local governments, including a restrictive impact fee bill and proposals related to Senate Bill 180. He indicated active legislative activity ahead.
• Executive Director's Report (Ms. Blake Boy): Updated the council on the Broward Next Steering Committee’s progress. The committee has bifurcated proposals: focusing on incentive-based pieces and holding resiliency policy updates in abeyance due to Senate Bill 180. A public workshop is scheduled for December 10, 2025, with another in mid-January 2026. A first public hearing on the incentive side is anticipated between February and April 2026.
• PH1 – Land Use Plan Amendment (City of Water Hill): Proposed amendment to change approximately 132.6 acres from commercial recreation (within a dashed line area) to residential. The existing dashed line area allows 9,072 units, with 1,142 unbuilt units. The applicant seeks to use 888 of those unbuilt units on the subject parcels. Staff analysis found sufficient facilities and services, including a commitment to dedicate open space for a trailway and a semi-public park (at least 10 acres). No public speakers signed up; the applicant did not present. Motion by Commissioner Fisher, second by Mayor Levy. Passed unanimously.
• PH2 – Text Amendment to Policy 2.23.2 (Environmentally Sensitive Lands): Staff explained that the amendment clarifies the process for the environmentally sensitive lands (ESL) map, emphasizing it is for planning purposes only. Mitigation and conservation occur through the county’s licensing and permitting process (Land Development Code), not through the county plan. The map will be updated every two years based on data from permitting. The amendment does not change criteria or the map itself. The council heard Commissioner Fessick’s comment requesting a second public hearing. Staff responded that the planning council is the first step; transmittal to the state and county commission provides further review. The motion was to move the item (approve). Motion by Ryan Greenberg, second by Mayor Harden. Passed unanimously.
• PH3 – Text Amendment Deleting Environmental Justice Policies: This amendment was expedited through the Broward Next Steering Committee to achieve compliance with Florida statutes, as directed by the county attorney’s office. It deletes two policies related to environmental justice adopted in 2017. No public speakers signed in. Motion by Mayor Harden, second by Ryan Greenberg. Passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• All three public hearing items (PH1, PH2, PH3) were approved unanimously by voice vote.
• The consent agenda was approved unanimously.
• The council noted that Mr. Rosanoff joined the meeting online after the votes and confirmed his vote in favor.
• The January 22, 2026 meeting was rescheduled to January 29, 2026 due to a scheduling conflict with the county commission.
• The next steering committee meeting will be determined based on room availability in January.
• The meeting adjourned after brief closing remarks for the holiday season.