Council approves targeted zoning text amendment to restore higher hotel density on three Marco Highlands lots

The council approved a Land Development Code Amendment (LDCA‑25‑000195) that exempts three specific lots in the Marco Highlands plat from an overlay restriction that reduced hotel density to 16 units per acre. Planning staff said the amendment is narrowly tailored, consistent with the comprehensive plan and would allow the identified lots to be developed under the broader community commercial density (26 units per acre for hotels). The Planning Board forwarded the amendment with a 6–0 recommendation.

Planning Manager Mary Holden told the council the change applies only to the subject lots and would reduce intensity by removing a restaurant and converting that footprint to rooms, resulting in a net parking and traffic reduction in staff's analysis. Councillors asked questions about noise ordinance enforcement and planning procedures; after deliberation Vice Chair Champagne moved approval and the ordinance passed 7–0.

Why it matters: the local code change permits a site‑specific increase in hotel room density relative to the overlay's more restrictive standard, while staff and the applicant argued the amendment complies with the city's comprehensive land‑use designations. The council's unanimous vote authorizes the amendment to the official zoning atlas and clears the way for the property owner to proceed with development steps consistent with the revised code language.