The Deerfield Beach City Commission on Aug. 5 approved variances and accepted right-of-way dedications allowing a small warehouse development at 282–284 Northeast First Avenue.

Applicant Kurt Aaron told the commission the lot is unusually shaped — “I like to call it my little pie” — because of past right-of-way takings associated with the Dixie Highway flyover and rail and road projects. Aaron sought three variances: a 2-foot-5-inch rear setback in lieu of the 10-foot rear setback required by code, a 2-foot-5-inch encroachment into the rear perimeter buffer where five feet is required, and a five-foot perimeter buffer at an accessible parking location in lieu of the 10-foot front right-of-way perimeter buffer normally required. The project includes a small 2,240-square-foot warehouse building with two bays and associated parking, landscaping and site improvements.

City staff and the applicant said the parcel’s geometry and recent public takings constrained the buildable envelope. The commission was told the applicant will dedicate five and ten feet of right of way along Northeast First Avenue as part of the approval. The commission noted variance standards require unique hardship and that applicants must make that case; staff and the applicant explained the constraints caused by prior federal and railroad projects and by required dedications to the city.

Votes and motions: the commission approved item 6 (the site plan and variances) and item 7 (the right-of-way dedications) by roll call. Vice Mayor Michael Preston moved the dedication resolution; Commissioner Ben Hudak moved the variance/site-plan approval; both motions carried unanimously after a public hearing in which no members of the public spoke.

Why it matters: the approvals allow a small-business-oriented warehouse to occupy a leftover parcel in an industrial area while the city secures additional right-of-way for future street or utility work.

Ending note: the approvals included standard permit conditions and will proceed to permitting and inspection; staff noted the variances required a four-fifths vote when variances were part of the approval package and the commission secured the necessary votes.