Boutique hotel proposed for construction in Belleair Bluffs.

A proposal for a boutique hotel in Belleair Bluffs, Florida, has emerged following an application by a local entrepreneur to amend city codes that would permit temporary lodging within commercial zones. The Belleair Bluffs City Commission discussed the proposal during a work session on April 14, where three draft ordinances were presented for consideration.

City attorney Tom Trask noted that these ordinances resulted from a text amendment initiated by the applicant, allowing for modifications to the comprehensive plan aimed at facilitating the potential construction of a hotel, contingent upon meeting municipal and county requirements. One key amendment includes the allowance of hotels and motels in the commercial general district, which is primarily located along the West Bay Drive corridor.

Additional proposed changes address developmental density and parking regulations. Under the current proposal, a hotel structure could reach a maximum height of 75 feet, provided that all density bonus requirements set by the county and Forward Pinellas are satisfied. Notably, the parking space requirement is set to be half a space for each unit; thus, a development featuring 40 units would necessitate at least 20 parking spaces.

The proposed ordinances also seek to revise the city’s land development code by increasing the floor area ratio for transient accommodations from 45% to 55% and adjusting the permissible impermeable surface ratio from 45% to 90%. Trask explained that these changes are intended to bring city regulations in line with the comprehensive plan.

While the commission unanimously supported moving the ordinances forward to a first reading, subsequent votes revealed a divergence of opinion on certain provisions. Commissioner Karen Rafferty expressed concern over the higher permissible impermeable surface ratio, arguing that a move from 45% to 90% could exacerbate environmental issues by reducing green space. Rafferty further criticized the proposed parking space ratio, asserting that it is among the lowest in the area and advocating for a one-to-one parking requirement.

Mayor Chris Arbutine acknowledged the validity of Rafferty’s concerns while emphasizing the importance of obtaining input from the planning board. Discussions included resident inquiries regarding potential limitations on parking for recreational vehicles and boats, which city representatives clarified would be regulated in accordance with hotel standards.

Ultimately, two of the ordinances passed unanimously, while the ordinance concerning the parking ratio was approved 4-1. The drafts will undergo further review by the planning board before returning to the commission for a final reading in the forthcoming weeks. Aungst, an attorney representing the applicant, expressed enthusiasm about the prospect of establishing a boutique hotel, highlighting the demand for more lodging options in a community dominated by age-restricted residential developments. This potential development aims to provide essential accommodations for visitors and families, thus enhancing access to local attractions, particularly the nearby beaches.

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