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Commissioners approve PUD amendment to rebuild waterfront building and add a restaurant at Meridian Marina
Summary
Martin County commissioners approved the 80th amendment to the Martin Downs PUD to allow a new two‑story waterfront building at Meridian Marina in Palm City that includes a 6,261‑square‑foot restaurant and marine operations/retail area.
The Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved the 80th amendment to the Martin Downs Planned Unit Development to permit a revised master final site plan and phasing plan for Meridian Marina (approximately 10.85 acres at 1400 Southwest Chapman Way in Palm City).
John Sinnett, principal planner, and applicant representatives described the amendment as a program refinement that replaces an existing waterfront building with a proposed two‑story waterfront building including a roughly 6,261‑square‑foot restaurant and about 2,977 square feet of marine operations/retail office area. The amendment removes previously approved accessory dwelling units in phase 4, relocates parking, adds a dumpster enclosure, and reflects construction already underway on approved boat storage improvements.
Staff recommended approval after finding the amendment complies with the Martin Downs PUD and the county’s land development regulations. The proposed amendment also includes several special conditions requested by the applicant and discussed with neighbors: weekday restaurant operations are to cease by 9 p.m.; on weekends music must stop by 9 p.m. and the restaurant may cease operations by 10 p.m. Sinnett read the PUD language to commissioners and confirmed those limits.
Bob Raines, attorney for the applicant, and Brian Nolan of Lucido and Associates presented the applicant’s materials and renderings. Nolan described extensive rehabilitation already completed, higher boat‑storage occupancy since new ownership in 2021, and architectural refinements to the marina and storage buildings. Commissioners and neighbors who spoke during public comment — including nearby residents Rob Lord and Juliana Riley — praised the applicant’s engagement with neighbors and supported the application. Neighbor testimony included praise for the owners’ responsiveness and the proposed noise limits.
Commissioners asked about screening, fencing and landscape buffers; Nolan said the plan includes a wall and heavy landscaping where the site abuts single‑family lots and that a portion of the shoreline protection zone will be respected. Commissioners expressed general support for the project and for the special conditions limiting noise and hours. The board voted to approve the amendment; staff will record the amendment and proceed with final site‑plan processing.
