Steven R. Cover, AICP

Director of Planning
Sarasota, Florida
Sarasota, Florida

My name is Steven R. Cover, AICP, and I am the Director of Planning for the City of Sarasota. I received Masters Degrees in both Architecture and City Planning from Georgia Tech, and also studied at the Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris, France.
My career highlights include:
- The Sarasota Bay Master Plan- secured approval and began implementation of a 53 acre bayfront site that is focused on sustainability and green building technology, and will include a new performing arts center, an outdoor amphitheater facing the bay, arts and history centers, major boating facilities and major park amenties.
- The Atlanta Beltline Project- prepared zoning legislation laying the groundwork for a 22 mile greenway around downtown Atlanta. This project converts abandonned industrial properties into a major greenway that includes hiker-biker trails, and reuse and redevelopment of existing industrial structures.
- Serenbe, GA- prepared a new plan, innovative zoning legislation, a transfer of development rights ordinance, and a conservation subdivision ordinance to create an English style hamlet development that preserves 70% of the land and has its own urban farming program.
-Center For Civil and Human Rights, Atlanta, GA- Won the International Design Competition for this project at HOK.

Disclosure information not submitted.

Presentation(s):

• Common-Sense Innovation Beyond Normal Planning Rules

  Tuesday, April 28, 2026
  10:15 AM - 11:00 AM CT