Downtown Sanford Small Area Plan
The final Downtown Small Area Plan has been approved by Sanford City Council.
The Downtown Sanford Small Area Plan will serve as a comprehensive guide for development to foster economic growth and encourage high quality land development within the Downtown Municipal Service District (MSD) and surrounding area.
The plan includes recommendations for future public/private investments, urban design, and communal space, branding and promotional marketing, transportation and mobility, and development regulations.
Background
The City of Sanford contracted Benchmark Planning to prepare a small area plan for downtown Sanford. During this process, residents, business owners, property owners, and the broader Sanford community had the opportunity to participate in the development of a community supported vision for the future of the area.
Three public workshops were held to hear ideas and provide feedback to guide the Downtown Sanford Small Area Plan. In addition, the consultant team interviewed several Downtown stakeholder groups, including Downtown Sanford, Inc. and attended several large public events to solicit input, including Sanford StreetFest and the MLK Community Breakfast.
The public was provided an opportunity to review and make comments on a draft of the Downtown Small Area Plan. Based on this feedback, a final plan was presented to Sanford City Council in July 2026.
The final Downtown Small Area Plan was approved by Council at its August 4, 2026, meeting.
Stay Informed
Get notified on upcoming engagements and the latest project related news.
Project Timeline
Important Dates
PlanSanLee Land Use Plan
Adopted in late 2018, the Land Use Plan established broad policies and goals for Sanford, Broadway, and Lee County, including Downtown Sanford.
Downtown Small Area Plan Approved
Sanford City Council approved the Downtown Small Area Plan at its August 4, 2026, special-called meeting.