BELLEAIR BLUFFS — Following a months-long review, city planners on July 21 approved ordinances to alter the city’s lodging code.
The changes had been requested by Tony Utegaard, a local businessman who wants to build a boutique hotel on a vacant lot on West Bay Drive.
City officials initially addressed the subject in April and also held a June 9 work session on the matter.
One of the new ordinances amends the future land-use element of the city’s comprehensive plan to allow hotels and motels in the relevant district. Another establishes temporary lodging height and density standards for the facilities. And a third ordinance calls for one-half parking space per unit plus 50% of the parking required for other uses in the district.
On July 21, the city Planning Board recommended approval of the ordinances, with board member Ana Hale calling Utegaard’s planned hotel the “best and highest use for this area.”
That same day, city commissioners on second and final reading approved two of the ordinances in a 5-0 vote.
Commissioner Karen Rafferty voted against the third ordinance, citing her belief that a hotel needs more parking than a half a space per unit.
Rafferty’s suggestion to amend the ordinance to one space per unit received no support.
“I do understand your concern about the parking,” Commissioner Suzy Sofer said. “But having a business here, it’s never enough parking. And we always found a way to work it out. Just trust the system, because it’s amazing how all these businesses work together.”
After the meeting, Utegaard expressed some relief at securing the city’s backing on the ordinances.
“When you get to the point where the city is willing to change its code of ordinances for you, it’s a vote of confidence that makes you feel good and confident you are doing the right thing for the community,” Utegaard said.
He hopes to submit permit plans for the hotel project in time to have a groundbreaking by year’s end, Utegaard said.
“I would love (to) be breaking ground this year, with an eye towards opening in 2027,” he said.
