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NewsSarasota News Leader — City of SarasotaOctober 29, 2026Sarasota County

City of Sarasota Development Review Committee requires another submittal for Saravela mixed-use project

City of Sarasota planning staff told the development team for the proposed Saravela mixed-use project that another review round and resubmittal are required due to outstanding issues. The project team confirmed there is no longer any plan to offer short-term rentals of less than seven days.

Development ReviewReal Estate DevelopmentZoningHousingCity Planning
Read the full story at Sarasota News Leader — City of Sarasota

Why It Matters

The development timeline for the 282-unit Saravela project is extended while the developer addresses city staff comments on architectural plans, zoning compliance, and building dimensions.

Key Facts

  • City of Sarasota staff informed the Saravela project team that an additional submittal and DRC meeting are required due to outstanding issues.
  • The proposed Saravela development is slated for about 1.7 acres comprising nine parcels at 430 N. Tamiami Trail.
  • The project comprises one 18-story tower and one 11-story building with a total of 282 multi-family dwelling units and 10,450 square feet of commercial space.
  • Four of the parcels are zoned Downtown Core with a 10-story height limit, which can be exceeded using attainable housing units.
  • The project includes 40 attainable housing units spread across the sixth through 14th floors.
  • The other five parcels are located in the Downtown Bayfront zoning district.
  • Project access is proposed from Fifth Street.
  • The project team confirmed there is no longer any desire to proceed with short-term rentals of less than seven days and seven nights.
  • City zoning code requires a minimum stay of seven days and seven nights, classifying shorter stays as transient lodging (hotels or motels).
  • City staff requested clarification on the purpose and dimensions of interstitial space above the 18th floor and across other floors.

Who's Mentioned

OrganizationZillow“Real estate website listing property details”PersonCristian Toellner“Senior planner for development review for the city”PersonDave Bullock“Then-interim City Manager”PersonLawrence Debb“Person under contract to purchase the parcels, president of GSP Development”OrganizationKimley-Horn“Consulting firm representing the developer”OrganizationSarasota County Fire Department“Represented on the Development Review Committee”OrganizationSarasota Police Department“Represented on the Development Review Committee”PersonLucia Panica“Director of Development Services for the city”OrganizationSarasota County School Board“Represented on the Development Review Committee”OrganizationGSP Development“Developer company”PersonEmily Griffiths“Representative of Kimley-Horn who filed the application”PersonPhillip DiMaria“Planning project manager for Kimley-Horn”PersonCamden Jenkins“Development review planner for the City of Sarasota”OrganizationPremier Sotheby’s International Realty“Real estate website promoting short-term rentals”OrganizationCity of Sarasota Development Review Committee“City committee reviewing development applications”PersonBrianna Dobbs“City's chief planner”PersonPatrick Robinson“Then-Deputy City Manager”