Council approves special‑use status for docks in Urban Village zoning district

The Bradenton City Council approved a text amendment on second reading on May 28 to allow docks and piers as a special use in the Urban Village (UV) zoning district. Planning staff said the UV district had been the only district that prohibited docks, despite some properties in the district abutting waterways.

Assistant Planning Director Greg DeLong told council the amendment responds to a request from an applicant whose property on Manatee Avenue West abuts Wares Creek; staff initially proposed docks as a permitted use but the Planning Commission voted to change the amendment to a special‑use classification so any commercial dock or pier proposal would receive extra vetting and public review. Planning Commission recommended approval 4–0.

Council members discussed whether docks should be permitted or special use; the council’s motion approved the Planning Commission’s recommendation to list docks as a special use, which requires Planning Commission review and council approval for each application. The ordinance passed on second reading by a 5–0 vote.