Zoning commission backs Loxahatchee Estates overlay amendment to Unified Land Development Code

The Palm Beach County Zoning Commission on Thursday recommended approval of a revision to the county’s Unified Land Development Code that would establish the Loxahatchee Estates Overlay (LEO) to set property development and access rules for residential subdivisions.

The change “establish[es] the Loxahatchee Estates Overlay as an overlay zoning district that, when applied, provides for specific property development regulations and access requirements for residential subdivision,” zoning staff told the commission. Staff said the revisions also permit certain government service uses through public hearing applications.

The proposed ULDC changes were presented by Alex Barray of the zoning division. Barray told commissioners the revisions are intended to be consistent with companion amendments to the county comprehensive plan: “These proposed changes to the Palm Beach County Unified Land Development Code implement companion changes proposed to the comprehensive plan for consistency purposes.” He said the amendments are being processed under the county’s land‑development review procedures and are tied to plan consistency requirements.

Commissioner Caliendo moved that the commission recommend approval of the Loxahatchee Estates ULDC revisions to the Board of County Commissioners; Commissioner Rekater seconded the motion. The commission voted all in favor and the motion passed. The commission’s vote is a recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners; final approval rests with that board.

Staff told the commission the changes are contingent on corresponding plan language and that the revisions must meet statutory timing requirements for plan/code consistency. The presentation noted the overlay is intended to ensure lots within the overlay have “comparable sizes and development characteristics” and to modify access requirements and allowable government service uses in the mapped area.

The commission did not record any public opposition during the item. No additional funding, implementation dates, or permit conditions were specified during the hearing.

The item will next appear before the Board of County Commissioners for final action on the ULDC revision and related comprehensive‑plan amendments.

What’s next: The commission’s recommendation will be transmitted to the Board of County Commissioners for final consideration and any required public hearings.