Siesta Key residents have a history of initiating many of Sarasota Counties’ regulations due to concerns with ever increasing density. The purpose of those regulations is to ensure the island isn't over-developed, to protect the environment and to preserve or improve the quality of life for those who live and visit Siesta Key.
In 1954, Siesta Key was the first community in Sarasota to have its own zoning code. The Siesta Key zoning code was eventually used to develop County-wide zoning in 1960. As a result of the Florida’s Local Comprehensive Planning Act of 1975, the County revised the entire zoning code, creating zoning districts which had lower density than in the previous decade. In 1982, concerned about continued development on Siesta, the County took further steps to ‘downzone’ the maximum density limits, which are still in effect today.
In 1985, the Florida Legislature adopted the ‘Growth Management Act’ (Florida Statute Chapter 163.3161) which required local Counties and municipalities to be consistent with state plans regarding land development. It also required Counties to meet minimum standards and criteria in their Comprehensive Plans. One example of a Comprehensive Plan’s minimum criteria to protect the barrier islands is Rule 9J-5.012, Coastal Management element of the Comprehensive Plan. The Coastal Management Chapter controls new development, ensures coastal systems are not damaged, and protects human life by ensuring development does not increase hurricane evacuation times. The Comprehensive Plan does not prohibit redevelopment of existing homes or condos. It does prevent the County from rezoning a parcel to a more intensive use or density. For example, a single family lot can’t be rezoned to a multi-family or commercial use.
Due to the complexity of development standards especially on our densely populated barrier island, Sarasota County adopted a specialized set of zoning standards labeled the Siesta Key Overlay District (SKOD) in 2001. The creation of SKOD allows the County to focus on special regulations to protect Siesta Key’s neighborhoods. Specialized regulations in SKOD include a maximum allowable impervious surfaces restriction on residential properties to reduce flooding, reducing size of fences to keep the roads from looking like ‘tunnels’ and larger side yard setbacks on small non-conforming lots. In 2003, the County revised the out-dated 1975 zoning ordinance. Among the changes in the 2003 update includes updates to SKOD regulations that helped close loopholes in illegal short term rentals.
The County is required by state law to update and review its Comprehensive Plan every 7 years. The latest process of review began with public workshops in 2010 and will continue with public hearings until 2013. After Sarasota County Commissioners adopt the changes in 2013, it is expected the zoning code will be reviewed to ensure consistency with then updated Comprehensive Plan.