Pompano Beach Board Reviews Variance for New Industrial Development on West Sample Road

The Pompano Beach Zoning Board of Appeals convened on July 17, 2025, to discuss a significant variance request related to the redevelopment of the former Festival Flea Market site. The meeting focused on application 25-11000013, presented by Max Williams, principal planner in development services, on behalf of the applicant, Foundry Commercial.

The applicant seeks a variance from the Pompano Beach Zoning Code, specifically section 155.5101 g 8 B, which mandates a minimum stacking lane distance of 100 feet for parking lot entrance driveways. The request aims to reduce this requirement to between 50 and 70 feet due to site-specific constraints. The property, located on the south side of West Sample Road, is set for redevelopment into a modern industrial complex featuring three warehouse buildings and 422 parking spaces.

Williams explained that the site, previously home to over 250 vendors at the flea market, is now zoned for industrial use following a recent land use change approved by the City Commission. The redevelopment plan includes a total of approximately 475,000 square feet of warehouse space, addressing a growing demand for small and medium bay industrial facilities in the area.

The variance request is justified by the site's unique configuration, which includes four access points and a design intended to distribute traffic evenly across the property. The applicant argues that the current city standards do not adequately consider the complexities of large, multi-access developments. Preliminary approvals from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and Broward County have been obtained, indicating that the proposed driveway configurations are safe and functional.

The board also heard from an independent traffic engineering consultant, who confirmed that the proposed throat depths would adequately manage anticipated traffic flow and prevent congestion. The consultant recommended that one internal drive be restricted to right-turn movements to enhance safety.

In conclusion, the board's decision on the variance request will significantly impact the future of the redevelopment project, which aims to revitalize a long-vacant commercial property while aligning with the city's land use objectives. The next steps will involve further evaluations and compliance with safety and circulation standards as outlined in the discussions.