The Deerfield Beach City Commission on Aug. 5 approved on first reading a rezoning request that will permit up to eight townhouse units on about 0.869 gross acres along Southwest Second Terrace.

The applicant, represented by Juan Chapa of Keith Engineering, asked the commission to rezone four lots from RS-7 (single-family) to RM-10 (multifamily) to allow up to eight townhouse units. Chapa said the request aligns the zoning of the sites with surrounding parcels and with an existing plat note that could be amended to reflect townhomes on all eight lots.

Public comment at the hearing included residents who opposed the rezoning citing parking worries, building height and concerns about changing neighborhood character. Former Commissioner Gloria Battle and other speakers urged the commission to preserve single-family fabric in District 2. Applicant representatives said a community outreach meeting was held June 26 and that mailed notices were distributed within the city’s required radius; they said detailed architectural and parking information would come at the required site-plan and plat-review stage.

Campaign contributions disclosure: the clerk read a required city ethics disclosure under city ordinance 2009-006 listing campaign contributions by the applicant’s representative to several commissioners and the mayor; the contributions were read into the public record during the hearing.

Votes and outcome: the commission voted to approve the rezoning on first reading; the roll-call showed Commissioner Shanetzky voted no, and the ordinance passed on a majority vote. The city attorney reminded the commission that second-reading public hearing and plat consideration will occur at a subsequent meeting.

Why it matters: rezoning from RS-7 to RM-10 changes allowable housing types and density; opponents said the change could increase on-street parking pressure and affect neighborhood character, while proponents said the change provides housing options and aligns zoning with nearby multifamily parcels.

Next steps: the ordinance will return for second reading, at which time the plat amendment and detailed site-plan materials will be considered.