Staff seeks commission input on modernized Ybor City design standards covering accessibility, solar and signage

Heather Bonds, historic preservation specialist, presented progress on an overhaul of the Ybor City design standards, which were first produced in 1986. Bonds said the update aims to create a modern, codified and user-friendly set of standards that emphasize rehabilitation and maintenance while addressing new construction, site components and modern technologies such as solar panels.

"We're working hard to create a set of modernized standards that will be codified and adopted by city council with your recommendation," Bonds said. She told commissioners three large chapters are finished—the introduction, new construction and site elements—and described 26 criteria topics for new construction and 18 subsections for site components, including accessibility, rooftop structures, murals, parking and the treatment of modern equipment.

Bonds said the update will include "shall" standards, explanatory guidance, and diagrams and before/after examples to help owners and contractors understand permissible and nonpermissible work. She also said staff will include National Park Service guidance where relevant (for example, flood adaptation references) and use illustrative examples to show appropriate rehabilitation.

Commissioners praised the drafts and asked for clearer guidance about precedent selection—whether case studies should be local or drawn from broader examples. Bonds and Dennis Fernandez said they seek compatibility rather than replication and will integrate lessons learned from recent large projects in and near the district.

Staff outlined the multi-step public process (staff draft, district-wide noticing, Barrio Latino Commission input, Historic Preservation Commission recommendation, City Council hearings) and invited commission comments before broader public engagement.