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ITEM: ORDINANCE NO. 2026-11 (Freestanding Shade Structure ZTA)
AN ORDINANCE OF WELLINGTON, FLORIDA’S COUNCIL, AMENDING SECTION 6.4.2.A OF WELLINGTON’S LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS (LDR) RELATED TO RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT/PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS; AMENDING SECTION 6.4.4.A OF WELLINGTON’S LDR RELATED TO DESIGN STANDARDS FOR RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICTS; PROVIDING A CONFLICTS CLAUSE; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
PUBLIC HEARING: YES QUASI-JUDICIAL: NO (Legislative)
EXPLANATION: To amend Sections 6.4.2.A and 6.4.4.A of Wellington’s Land Development Regulations (LDR) related to regulations for freestanding accessory pergolas and shade structures within PUDs and Residential Zoning Districts.
Requests for detached pergolas and shade structures have increased in the last few years. Section 6.4.4.A.2 of Wellington’s LDR requires all accessory structures greater than 120 square feet to match the colors and materials of the principal structure, and any alternative design requires ARB approval for aesthetic compatibility. Oftentimes, these structures are pre-engineered, have flat roofs, and cannot be altered to match the principal structure. Since 2023, ARB has reviewed and approved 13 requests for detached pergolas/shade structures that do not match the principal structure.
At the March 25, 2026, ARB meeting, the Board expressed interest in modifying Wellington’s LDR to allow these structures without ARB approval, as the Board has approved all requests that have come before them. The proposed amendments will permit these structures with a building permit and no longer require ARB approval. The ARB unanimously recommended approval (6-0) of the proposed amendment at the April 22, 2026, ARB meeting.
SUMMARY: To amend Sections 6.4.2.A and 6.4.4.A of Wellington’s Land Development Regulations (LDR) related to regulations for freestanding accessory pergolas and shade structures within PUDs and Residential Zoning Districts.