Palms West Hospital seeks urban tier change for 18.85-acre expansion site

The Palm Beach County Planning Commission convened on March 15, 2025, to discuss a significant application regarding a land use change for a parcel adjacent to Palms West Hospital. The meeting focused on a request to reclassify an 18.85-acre area from a rural tier designation to an urban suburban tier designation, which is expected to facilitate future expansions of the hospital facilities.

The parcel in question is located to the west of the existing hospital, on the north side of Southern Boulevard. It is currently designated for institutional use and has been recently rezoned to Institutional Planned Facility (IPF) to align with the hospital's designation. Surrounding land uses include residential areas, commercial properties, and equestrian facilities, with the nearby village of Loxahatchee Groves to the north and west.

During the meeting, it was noted that the parcel had undergone a land use plan amendment in 2006, which designated it for institutional use. However, previous variances and subdivision plans associated with the property were never implemented and are now considered invalid. The recent rezoning to IPF, approved on February 27, 2025, allows for an increase in hospital beds to a total of 242 and includes plans for a 55,000 square foot expansion.

The proposed tier change is crucial as it will enable the hospital to utilize urban suburban landscape requirements for parking, thereby increasing parking capacity on the parcel. This adjustment is seen as essential to support the approved expansion and any future developments.

Staff members expressed their support for the application, recommending approval with conditions regarding the maximum number of trips allowed on the parcel. The Planning Commission is expected to provide a recommendation on this matter, which will help ensure a consistent tier designation across the combined land area for Palms West Hospital.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the importance of the proposed land use change in facilitating the growth and operational needs of Palms West Hospital, reflecting the ongoing development and planning efforts in Palm Beach County.