Title
An Ordinance Of The City Of Hollywood, Florida, Amending The City's Adopted Comprehensive Plan By Amending The Land Use Element To Change The Land Use Designation Of 2.03 Acres Of Land Located At 3726 South Ocean Drive From Medium High Residential (25) To Diplomat Activity Center Designation; Amending The Future Land Use Element Map To Reflect Said Changes; And Providing For An Effective Date.
Strategic Plan Focus
Economic Vitality
Body
Staff Recommends: Approval of the attached Ordinance.
Explanation:
The current request involves an amendment to the City’s Comprehensive Plan to redesignate approximately 2.03 acres of land generally located at 3726 S. Ocean Drive to a new land use designation (west side of South Ocean Drive just south of the Diplomat Hotel). Proposed is a land use designation of Diplomat Activity Center, which is a change from the existing Medium High Residential designation. Presently, the property is utilized as a paved surface parking lot managed by the operator of the Diplomat Hotel and Resort. The proposed land use plan amendment represents the first phase in a multi-step land use (entitlement) process necessary for the redevelopment of the site to be officially incorporated into the Diplomat Holtel’s portfolio.
City staff has reviewed the proposed amendment and determined that it aligns with the policies and objectives outlined in the Comprehensive Plan and the City-Wide Master Plan. Consequently, staff recommended approval to the Planning and Development Board (“PDB”), which, in its role as the Local Planning Agency, recommended approval of the application on September 9, 2025. There have been no changes from the application from the time of PDB recommendation.
The request before the City Commission (first reading), is to transmit the application for to the Broward County Planning Council for a public hearing and recommendation to the County Commission for consideration. If a decision is made to approve the application by the County Commission, the amendment will be transmitted by the County to the Florida Department of Commerce (and other agencies) for review and comment. The item will then return to the City Commission for a second reading. Following the second reading, the City will need to recertify the land use plan with the County, thereby establishing the new land use designation.
Once these designations are established in both the Broward County and City of Hollywood Comprehensive Plans, the applicant will need to submit a rezoning request to change the property's zoning district to one that supports the proposed mixed-use development.
Following the rezoning, the applicant anticipates submitting a detailed design and site plan application, which will outline the placement of buildings, access, open spaces, and their respective uses on the property. These applications will be presented to the City Commission for final approval at a future date. Currently, the programming the applicant is proposing includes:
• Hotel use: 300 rooms
• Restaurant/Café: 1,400 S.F.
• Merchandise/Sundries: 1,100 S.F.
Activity Centers are specialized land use designations recognized through the Broward County Comprehensive Plan (Broward Next) as areas with a mix of uses and development limits as determined by local government. Broward County encourages new development and redevelopment within designated activity centers and transit-oriented areas, provided these locations have adequate public facilities and services. Such development should promote a high-quality, mixed-use community with multi-modal transportation, diverse housing options (including affordable housing), green and recreational spaces, community gathering places, and a variety of services to support both residents and businesses.
Background information on the Diplomat’s land use and zoning is available in the back up (approved resolutions and ordinances are attached).
Fiscal Impact:
The approval of this ordinance will not fiscally impact the City as this is a proposal for a Land Use Plan Amendment.
Conclusion:
In summary, the proposed ordinance to amend the Comprehensive Plan and redesignate 2.03 acres at 3726 S. Ocean Drive is crucial for advancing the City’s economic vitality. This land use change will enable a mixed-use redevelopment and support the responsible and gentle repurposing of land. With the Planning and Development Board’s recommendation of approval, this amendment promises significant long-term fiscal benefits, including economic development, while effectively leveraging private investment and minimizing financial risk.
Recommended for inclusion on the agenda by:
Anand Balram, Assistant Director/Chief Planner
Andria Wingett, Director, Development Services
Raelin Storey, Assistant City Manager