Largo adopts target employment code changes and overlays to encourage industry and employment uses

The Largo City Commission unanimously adopted two measures on March 17 to create and implement target employment center policies in the city's development code.

Staff said ordinance 2026-03 clarifies where target employment uses are allowed, adds definitions (including "business incubator," "light manufacturing" and "research and development"), and aligns the code with countywide plan rules. Staff noted the second-reading updates were largely clarifications requested by Forward Pinellas and did not change the substantive standards approved at first reading.

Ordinance 2026-04 establishes three geographic overlays for Target Employment Center — Suburban Industrial and Suburban Office — amending the future land use map for defined tracts east of the CSX track, areas east of 66th Street and a third area bounded by Roosevelt Boulevard and Ulmerton Road. Staff said the overlays are optional to landowners and do not automatically change existing entitlements.

A member of the public urged caution pending possible state changes to the Live Local Act; staff replied that the overlays are optional and do not by themselves trigger Live Local statutory preemptions. "These overlays currently allow for if someone were to opt into them . . . they do not change any of the underlying current entitlements," staff said.

The commission adopted ordinance 2026-03 on second and final reading and ordinance 2026-04 on second and final reading by roll-call votes of 6-0. Staff said the changes are intended to incentivize target employment uses while preserving review standards and consistency with county rules.