Welcome to the Seaboard Master Plan webpage!

The City of Venice is working with consultants Dover, Kohl & Partners to draft a master plan for the Seaboard area. Once approved, this master plan will be the blueprint for the ongoing transition of the area to mixed use.

Background

Seaboard was the original industrial area of the City and was included in the John Nolen Plan. Its location along the Seaboard railway facilitated the growth and development of the area. The growth of the city has continued to increase around and beyond this area, and in the 1999 Comprehensive Plan, the area was designated as Transition. This land use defined the area as “an area that is designed for redevelopment due to land use changes that are either occurring within or adjacent to the area.” Although the transition has not occurred yet, the pieces have finally been put in place to facilitate the change. The land use designation of the area is now Mixed Use Seaboard, with an implementing zoning district of Seaboard Improvement (SBI). The SBI zoning district uses a form-based code to regulate the visual character of the area and focus on the relationship between buildings and the street. Unlike in a traditional zoning district, separating uses is not an important feature of this type of code. This makes the area “mixed use.”

For the first time, this district will allow for residential uses up to a density of 18 units per acre, and the new code emphasizes companion uses such as commercial and professional offices. Several amenities surround the area as well, and with the connectivity of the grid-patterned street layout designed by the City’s original planner, John Nolen, this will make for an excellent neighborhood for all future residents.

What is a Charrette?

A charrette is basically a public visioning session. It provides an opportunity for the public to join with the planning professionals and brainstorm, sketch ideas, and collaborate regarding a specific project area. The charrette planned for the Seaboard Master Plan is scheduled for three days, July 31 through Aug. 2. The public, at their leisure, can stop in anytime to see the progress being made and actively participate in the vision for the area. We invite all to come by and provide input on the vision for this exciting project (updated Charrette Schedule). If you are unable to participate in the charrette, please provide your input on this website.