The 2050 Plan is a 50 year, incentive based land use plan to manage and shape future growth in Sarasota County. Sarasota 2050's primary goals are preserving the county's natural, cultural and physical resources and making all neighborhoods, both old and new, more livable.

This addition to the county's comprehensive plan is incentive-based and voluntary, rather than regulation-driven. The plan grants density bonuses (increase of dwelling units allowed) to landowners who preserve open space, agriculture and environmentally sensitive land and build new, compact, mixed use, walkable developments in appropriate areas.

What is Smart Growth?

Smart growth principles are the foundation for Sarasota County’s 2050 Plan. Smart growth principles are an integrated approach to development that serve the economy, community and the environment in a way that is more sustainable and suitable than current practices.  

Principles of Smart Growth Include:

• Mixed use (Residential, Commercial and Open Space zoning in the same area)
• Compact building design
• Housing opportunities for a range of household types, family sizes and income
• Walkable neighborhoods
• Distinctive, attractive communities with a strong sense of place
• Preserve open space, natural beauty, historic buildings and critical  environmental areas
• Strengthen existing neighborhoods
• Provide a variety of transportation choices
• Predictable, fair and cost-effective development decisions
• Encourage citizen and stakeholder participation in development decisions

These principles should be the foundation for community housing policies and be used as criteria to evaluate the benefits of proposed new housing and redevelopment projects. Other principles such as proximity to employment opportunities, schools, mass transportation access, and commerce should also be considered.

For more information on the 2050 Plan, please contact Matthew Lewis at 941-861-5140.

Download the 2050 Comprehensive Plan Ammendment. (2001)

2050 Comprehensive Plan: Related Maps and Illustrations