Several developers are proposing a change to Sarasota County's Unified Development Code that will eliminate all density requirements for hotels being redeveloped. The first three mega hotels are proposed for Siesta Key but the comprehensive plan change will be in effect for the entire county. Currently, the maximum density for hotels is 26 units per acre (without kitchens). In one Siesta Key hotel proposal, the developers are asking for 170 units for a one acre parcel!

Hotels are an intensive use of property. Daily hotel activities bring increased traffic, noise and crime. Some of the older smaller hotels are abutting residential neighborhoods. Large hotels with many tourists attract criminals which puts neighborhoods at risk.

Hotels meeting current density limits are an appropriate scale for the neighborhoods. We are asking the Sarasota County Commissioners to deny the proposed change to our current codes that would eliminate density limits for hotels. Keep the current maximum density requirements. For more information on the proposal, visit Siesta Key Community website: www.SiestaKeyCommunity.com/SiestaZoningAlert