Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Fort Lauderdale public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
6 issues in zoning with low priority
Backyard hens and urban livestock ordinance
A resident asked Vice Mayor Sorensen about keeping a hen for eggs. Commissioners recalled past trouble with backyard animal rules; staff noted many other cities allow hens with limits — the topic was left for future study.
Fortune teller and psychic reader land use
After 20 years of lawsuits, the city is finally changing its code so fortune tellers and psychic readers can operate as part of retail businesses in CB and B-1 districts. The old ban dated to the 1950s and courts kept striking it down.
Coconut Drive Right-of-Way Vacation
A second-reading quasi-judicial hearing was scheduled to vacate a 50-foot by 102-foot portion of Coconut Drive for applicant David Ide.
Buyer Awareness of Historic District Restrictions
A board member raised the scenario of cash buyers unknowingly purchasing in a historic district and only learning of restrictions after closing. Staff noted designations appear on property records, and a presentation to the Board of Realtors is planned.
Public participation meeting timing rules
After December's discussion, the board advanced a code change stopping applicants from holding their required neighborhood meeting months too early — it must now be within six months of, and no earlier than 30 days before, the board hearing.
Historic Landmark Artificial Turf Appeal
A discussion item was slated on an appeal over artificial turf installed without prior approval at the front seating area of a designated historic landmark on Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard.