VERO BEACH – Over the objections of some who think new zoning regulations will restricted property rights and negatively impact property values, the long discussed and much debated Ocean Drive and Cardinal Drive commercial zoning overlay district was approved by the City Council 4-1 Tuesday. Councilman Jay Kramer voted against the plan, saying he could only support the measure if compliance was voluntary.
The plan, which is essentially intended to promote more mixed uses in the central beach area, including residential, had earlier been unanimously approved by the Planning and Zoning Board, and was supported by Director of Planning and Development, Tim McGarry.
“More regulation equals less business vitality and less freedom,” said Nancy Cook, a central beach business owner. She recommended leaving existing zoning codes in place, and only applying the new regulations and incentives on a voluntary basis.
Attorney and central beach property owner, Michael O’Haire, said he thought Cook’s suggestion to make optional the new overlay zoning was intriguing, but the time had come to move ahead. “I am tired of being in limbo,” he said.
Hotels properties east of Ocean Drive will continue to be allowed to build up to four floors, and the city’s height limitations of 35 feet, with an additional 15 feet for embellishments, will remain in effect.
In the remainder of the central beach area covered by the new overlay zoning – along Ocean Drive and Cardinal Drive from Flamevine Lane to Beachland Blvd. – new construction will be limited to three stories, and both new building and those undergoing substantial renovations will have to comply with new regulations regarding setbacks. The plan also offers incentives for property owners who agree to certain mixed-use guidelines.
Earlier version of the proposed overlay zoning would have limited new construction to three stories on the east side of Ocean Drive and Cardinal Drive, and to two stories on the west side of the central beach’s two main north-south streets.
What had been referred to as the “3-2-3-2 plan” was set aside in preference the current proposal, which allows for buildings of up to three floors throughout the central beach area, with the exception of hotels each of Ocean Drive.
Existing buildings will not be affected by the new ordinance.
Indian River Guardian 
Unfotunately there is no evidence to substantiate the claims of Nancy Cook in regard to regulation bringing “less business vitality and freedom.” Ms. Cook is obviously watching too much of the comedy channel known as Fox News.
In the real world regulations exist to provide protection for the interests of all people and the environment. Additionally our local government is specifically structured to provide multiple reviews in order to protect the community from the mandates of just a few. Mixed use zoning generally INCREASES property values.