Zoning

To promote orderly development, every parcel within the City has a zoning designation that governs its use. These uses are defined in the City´s Official Zoning Code. Staff applies Code regulations through a review of Applications for Development Approval as well as through Building Permit Applications.

Additional zoning staff responsibilities include:

• Zoning Confirmation Letters
• Zoning Interpretation Letters
• Lot Split and Boundary Adjustments
• Plat Consolidations
• Alcoholic Beverage Licenses
• Assignment of Street Addresses.

You may contact Zoning staff at CityZoning@SarasotaFL.gov or by calling [941] 263-6432 weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

Zoning Code

The City´s Zoning Code is intended to implement Sarasota´s Comprehensive Plan [or long-range plan] and related land use plans in a manner that protects the health, safety and general welfare of the citizens of Sarasota. The boundaries of the base zones, overlay zones and plan districts are shown on the official zoning maps of the City. Click on this link to access the official zoning maps Zone District Maps -- Copies of the Official Zone District [Quarter Section] Maps.

The City´s Official Zoning Code is published by the Municipal Code Corporation. The official zoning code is updated through the quarterly printing of supplements.

There are several types of zoning regulations that may affect a property. You will need to research all of these regulations to determine what is allowed on your property:

• Base Zones- All properties within the City of Sarasota have a base zone. There are residential zones, office zones, commercial zones, industrial zones and mixed use zones.
• Overlay Zones- Some properties have overlay zones that consist of regulations that address specific subjects in particular areas of the City. For example, the North Trail Overlay is applied to areas where additional height is allowed on a case-by-case basis.
• Other Zoning Requirements - Some uses and development types have additional regulations that apply. For example, school uses or parking lots have additional regulations that apply.

 The zoning maps are now located in the Zoning and Future Land Use Maps link on the City's GIS webpage.