Mixed Use Development Corridors
Introduction
The City of Fort Lauderdale Development Services Department, in conjunction with the consulting firm Benesch, has evaluated the existing mixed-use development criteria in the City’s Unified Land Development Code for the purpose of creating form-based regulations that will focus on the major corridors in the City.
The City Commission identified Smart Growth as a City Commission Priority. As part of addressing this goal, and in anticipation of new development applications for residential units along major corridors based on Broward County Land Use Plan, Policy 2.16.4, and the State’s Live Local Act, which both permit the distribution of residential units in exchange for setting aside units as affordable, City staff began a planning effort to amend the mixed-use regulations along the City’s major corridors. The intent is to establish form-based regulations that address building design standards, transition to adjacent neighborhoods, and street frontage based on the context of each area.
Today, the City’s major corridors include a suburban pattern of single occupancy vehicle driven commercial development. As new development occurs along major corridors, the subsequent form-based requirements will encourage a more sustainable long-term growth pattern with a mix of uses, supporting multi-modal transportation, and a variety of housing options, enhancing the overall livability of the City. In addition, revised code language will help to preserve surrounding neighborhoods by clearly identifying the appropriate building design standards that reflect the proper transition to neighborhoods, resulting in more predictability so residents and developers understand future development along these corridors.
Initial Efforts
Proposed Amendments
At this time, amendments cannot be processed due to a State law that prohibits local governments from proposing or adopting any new regulation that can be perceived as more burdensome or restrictive until October 2027.
The City Commission directed staff to proceed with amendments to the City's mixed-use zoning standards based on responses gathered during initial public outreach from September 2024 to January 2025; however this was prior to the new State law.
The proposed amendments included:
- Neighborhood Transition requirements
- Maximum streetwall length
- Minimum building podium stepbacks
- Floorplate size limitations
A community meeting was held on August 28, 2025 to present the proposed amendments.
Staff is continuing to prepare the complete amendment in preparation to present to the public come October 2027.
Contact Us
For additional information, please contact the Urban Design and Planning Division of the Department of Development Services at 954-828-6520 or e-mail planning@fortlauderdale.gov.