Archaeologically Significant Zones
Archaeologically Significant Zones
Fort Lauderdale is home to areas known as Archaeologically Significant Zones, locations where artifacts or other cultural materials may be found beneath the surface. These zones help us better understand the people and cultures that once lived here and offer valuable insight into how human behavior has evolved over time.
Preserving these sites is essential to honoring our past and guiding our future. That’s why the City has established guidelines to ensure any significant ground disturbance, especially related to development projects, undergoes proper archaeological review.
When is Archaeological Review Required
Archaeological review is required when there is significant ground disturbing work in an Archaeologically Significant Zone related to a development permit application which includes Certificates of Appropriateness. Archaeological Review will occur at the time a development permit application is submitted to the Development Review Committee or to the Historic Preservation Board.
- Application fee for residential is $159 (Demolition and New Construction Only)
- Application fee for commercial is $477
Archaeologically Significant Zone Map
Sailboat Bend Archaeological Survey
Between August 2024 through February 2025, a review of archaeological studies that have been conducted within the Sailboat Bend Historic District were analyzed in order to prepare an updated Archaeologically Significant Zone for this neighborhood. As a result, a map that provides both the Archaeological Probabilities and associated Archaeological Requirements has been prepared along with the definition of each status.
Archaeological Review Chart for the Sailboat Bend Area
The Sailboat Bend Historic District received an updated archaeological assessment in 2024–2025. The review resulted in a refined map identifying archaeological probabilities and corresponding requirements for this neighborhood.
- Archaeological Probability Map for the Sailboat Bend Historic District
- Archaeological Probabilities and Requirements
Review Matrix for the Sailboat Bend Historic District
| Archaeological Probability | Archaeological Requirement | Application Fee |
| Negative | None | No |
| Very Low |
None, condition of approval for potential findings |
No |
| Low | None, condition of approval for potential findings | No |
| Moderate | Phase I and/or Archaeological Monitoring, Review of scope of work and site will be required if indicated on map | Yes |
| High | Phase I and Archaeological Monitoring | Yes |
| Positive | Phase II and/or Archaeological Monitoring, Mitigation Plan | Yes |
If you have questions, please review the Frequently Asked Questions or contact:
Trisha Logan, AICP
Principal Urban Planner
954-828-7101
tlogan@fortlauderdale.gov
Background
Certain areas of the City of Fort Lauderdale have been identified as an Archaeologically Significant Zone through a phased archaeological survey of Broward County conducted between 1991 through 1995 by Archaeological and Historical Conservancy, Inc., and has been periodically updated by Broward County. In accordance with City of Fort Lauderdale’s Historic Preservation Element of the Comprehensive Plan Objective 1.2, Policy 1.2.3a, and as per the Certified Local Government Agreement between the City of Fort Lauderdale and the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Historical Resources, that states that the City shall generally follow a public policy of protecting, preserving, and planning for the protection and preservation of resources of historical, architectural, and archaeological value are within its jurisdiction.