TO: Mayor and Commissioners
FROM: Anthea Gianniotes, AICP, Development Services Director
THROUGH: Terrence R. Moore, ICMA-CM
DATE: September 8, 2026
Title
ORDINANCE NO. 39-26: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS OF THE CITY OF DELRAY BEACH CODE OF ORDINANCES, CHAPTER 2, “ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS,” ARTICLE 2.4, “DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS,” SECTION 2.4.2, “APPLICATION SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS,” TO ADD REQUIREMENTS FOR LOBBYIST DISCLOSURE AND CERTIFICATION; PROVIDING A CONFLICTS CLAUSE AND A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AUTHORITY TO CODIFY; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. (FIRST READING)
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Recommended Action:
Recommendation
Review and consider Ordinance No. 39-26, a City-initiated request to amend and update Section 2.4.2, “Application Requirements” of the Land Development Regulations (LDR) to establish lobbyist disclosure requirements for development applications.
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Background:
Ordinance No. 39-26 was prepared subsequent to direction by the City Commission at its July 14, 2026 meeting that Staff prepare a policy requiring transparency in the use of lobbyists.
Palm Beach County adopted a “Lobbyist Registration Ordinance” effective on July 1, 2021 (attached); the City participates in the Palm Beach County Lobbyist Registration System. The Palm Beach County Lobbying Registration Ordinance defines “lobbying” as influencing or attempting to influence action or nonaction through oral or written communication with a member or members of the City Commission or advisory board. All paid lobbyists are required to comply with the provisions of the ordinance and register through the Palm Beach County Administrator’s Office.
Although the administration and enforcement of lobbyist registration requirements falls under the purview of the Palm Beach Commission on Ethics, the City of Delray Beach desires to intentionally recognize that the operation of responsible government requires transparency of the governmental decision-making process to maintain the public trust, by adopting disclosure requirements into the Land Development Regulations.
Planning and Zoning Board heard the proposed ordinance on August 17, 2026, and voted 6-0 to recommend approval.
City Attorney Review:
Ordinance No. 39-26 is approved as to form and legal sufficiency.
Funding Source/Financial Impact:
Not applicable.
Timing of Request:
Ordinance No. 39-26 will be effective immediately if approved at second reading, anticipated for October 13, 2026.