Board backs allowing up to seven flags on HOA parcels, clarifies poles require building permits

The Planning and Zoning Advisory Board recommended that City Council consider an amendment to the land development regulations (Ordinance 2025-11) to permit up to seven flags on parcels owned and maintained by homeowners associations.

Antonio, Community Development staff, said the change responds to a request from a Lake Francis Estate resident who asked to display multiple service flags at a veteran memorial. "Following discussion, the city council directed staff to prepare a tax amendment to the land development regulations to allow up to 7 flagpoles on parcels of land that are designated owned and maintained by the HOA," Antonio said; staff later clarified the ordinance language was intended to allow up to seven flags on such parcels and not to automatically change building-code requirements for flagpoles.

Board members raised questions about whether the amendment regulates flags or flagpoles, the maximum size of individual flags or aggregate flag display, and whether poles must meet Florida building code standards. Staff answered that flag size limits are already codified in the sign code and that any flagpole installation would require engineering and a separate building permit to meet Florida building code. Staff also said a site plan may be required to show how the flags and poles will be arranged.

After discussion and clarifying that the ordinance change pertains to flags (and not to avoiding building-code review of poles), the board moved to recommend the amendment to city council by voice vote. The transcript records the board’s recommendation but does not provide individual roll-call tallies.