Commission adopts text amendment to SF7 and SF14 residential districts to revise dimensional and setback rules east of Broadway

On Sept. 2 the West Palm Beach City Commission adopted Ordinance 5,138-25 on second reading, a staff-initiated text amendment to the city's zoning code that revises dimensional lot and setback requirements for single-family low-density (SF7) and single-family high-density (SF14) residential districts within a specified area of the city.

Anna Marie Yapon, the city’s development services director, introduced the matter and said this was a second reading with no changes since the prior hearing. The ordinance amends chapter 94, article 3 (residential districts), specifically sections 94-72 (SF7) and 94-74 (SF14), to revise lot and setback regulations for properties generally located east of Broadway Avenue, west of North Flagler Drive, north of Fortieth Street and south of 40 Fifth Street.

Why it matters: The text amendment changes regulatory dimensions for parcels in a clearly defined neighborhood, which will affect future single-family development and lot reconfigurations in that area. The motion to adopt stated it was based on the application, staff report and planning board recommendation and found the amendment consistent with the comprehensive plan and standards in section 94-32 of the city's zoning regulations.

Outcome: A commissioner moved to approve Ordinance 5,138-25 based on the record and the planning board recommendation; the motion was seconded and adopted unanimously. The clerk read the ordinance into the record before the vote, and the commission recorded no opposition.

Ending: The adopted ordinance contains a conflicts clause, codification and severability language and an effective date as read into the record.