Commission initiates privately proposed ULDC revisions to relax townhouse rear‑setback and clarify parking‑tract rules

The Palm Beach County Zoning Commission voted to initiate a privately proposed amendment to the Unified Land Development Code that would change townhouse development standards, including reducing the rear setback for townhouses and clarifying use of parking tracts.

Scott Bachman, speaking for the private applicant, said the request is intended to correct inconsistencies in the code and to make townhouse regulations consistent with other residential product types. Bachman said the proposal would reduce the townhouse rear setback from 25 feet to 15 feet (a reduction that would align townhouse rules with single‑family zero‑lot‑line and multifamily setbacks) and would formally reinstate a “parking tract” option in Article 11.

Bachman showed an example of an existing unincorporated‑area townhome community built to 15‑foot rear setbacks and said the change would reduce the need for variances and better support compact housing types. Zoning staff told the commission the applicant and staff have discussed the proposal for months and that the presented text is an initial draft; if the commission initiates the amendment, staff will work with the applicant to refine language and take the item through the required public‑hearing and adoption steps.

The commission voted to initiate the privately requested ULDC amendment; initiation means staff will proceed to draft, review and advertise the ordinance and schedule hearings before the Board of County Commissioners as required.