Venice Planning Commission Meeting – May 20, 2025

The Venice Planning Commission met on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 1:30 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included approval of prior minutes, a public hearing for the Venice Retail Center site and development plan, and a detailed refresher on quasi-judicial hearing procedures. The commission also received an update on a recent historic preservation forum.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of May 6, 2025: Approved unanimously by a voice vote (7–0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• General Audience Participation: None.
• Public Hearing – Venice Retail Center (24‑58SP): One member of the public, Sue Perry (representing Tuscana Isles), spoke during the hearing regarding stormwater drainage concerns. She asked where water from the development would go, noting flooding issues after recent hurricanes. The applicant’s representative, Joe Pellarin of Kimley-Horn, responded that a stormwater stub-out had been provided by the adjacent apartment development and that a SWFWMD permit was already in hand confirming the impervious area was within allowable limits.

Discussion Items

• Venice Retail Center Site and Development Plan (24‑58SP): Staff planner Brittany Smith presented the proposal for two multi-suite retail buildings (medical/dental, quick-service restaurant) on 2.36 acres within the Portofino CMU. The project meets all CMU standards for setbacks, height, parking, landscaping, and lighting. A letter of acknowledgement covers off-site improvements. The traffic impact analysis was deemed compliant. Commission members asked clarifying questions about internally illuminated signs (permissible under CMU) and parking space width (9 ft minimum). No opposition was expressed. The public hearing was then closed.
• Quasi-Judicial Hearings Refresher: City Attorney Kelly Fernandez delivered a comprehensive training covering legislative vs. quasi-judicial decisions, due process requirements, ex parte communications, competent substantial evidence, and the proper formulation of motions for approval or denial. Commission members engaged in extensive Q&A on topics such as handling objections, citing code sections in denial motions, the role of compatibility, and the ability to impose conditions. The presentation was intended both as a refresher for current members and as a resource for future council and commission members.
• Planning and Zoning Department Comments: Director Roger mentioned two applications for the next meeting and that criteria revisions are forthcoming. He then turned the floor to Nicole, who reported on a successful Local Register Forum held at the library on a Thursday evening, attended by approximately 30–40 people. The forum aimed to encourage property owners to consider historic preservation and the local register. Informational tables were staffed by Heritage, Joy Builders, Sarasota Alliance for Historic Preservation, and the HAPB. Several attendees expressed interest, and a follow-up mailing of 800 postcards was noted. Staff plans to consider additional forums.

Key Outcomes

• Venice Retail Center (24‑58SP): Approved 7–0. The motion, made by Commissioner Hale and seconded by Commissioner Wilson, found the petition consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and in compliance with the Land Development Code, based on the application materials, staff report, and testimony.
• Quasi-Judicial Refresher: Informational only; no vote taken.
• Historic Preservation Forum Update: Received as information; no action required.