Downtown Redevelopment

Our Downtown is thriving! Ensuring the right tools and plans are in place to continue to see Tarpon's downtown grow and prosper, while still preserving it's historic charm is essential. It is also important to review and update these tools from time to time to make sure they still remain true to the City's long-term vision for Downtown.

Downtown Plans

Special Area Plan (SAP)

The Special Area Plan is a plan that was created specifically for the Sponge Docks and Community Redevelopment Area, which includes Downtown. This plan has a redevelopment focus and includes place-based objectives. The SAP character districts establish allowable residential density and nonresidential intensity (Floor Area Ratio (FAR)).

SmartCode

The SmartCode is the regulating document for downtown and applies to all properties in the Special Area Plan boundary. The SmartCode is unique because it focuses primarily on building form and it's relationship the street and pedestrian experience. This is important when trying to preserve and enhance an area's character, like downtown.

Stay tuned! We are about to kickoff an update to both the Special Area Plan and SmartCode!

Community Redevelopment Area (CRA)

The CRA encourages investment in Downtown by improving infrastructure, aesthetics, providing public and private initiatives for economic development, and improving overall quality of life. 

For more information, visit the CRA page!

CRA Incentive Grant Opportunities

• Building Code Assistance Grant (PDF)
• Facade Improvement Grant (PDF)
• Restaurant Recruitment Grant (PDF)
• Photo/Mural Grant (PDF)