Palm Beach County zoning commission recommends rezoning and approves variances for West Atlantic RV Resort

The Palm Beach County Zoning Commission on May 1 recommended approval of a rezoning from Agricultural Reserve to a Recreational Vehicle Plan Development and approved two related variances for a proposed West Atlantic RV Resort on a 10.11‑acre parcel west of State Road 7 and adjacent to West Delray Regional Park.

Lauren McClellan of J. Morton Planning and Landscape Architecture, representing applicants Karen and Roger Fina, described the site and proposals: “The 10.11 acre property is located West of State Road 7 at the terminus of Atlantic Avenue on the North side of Atlantic Avenue, abutting the West Delray Regional Park.” McClellan told the commission the plan includes recreational amenities and would provide hookups not available at the county park.

Zoning staff recommended approval. Nancy Ferrantani of the Zoning Division told commissioners the applications include a subdivision variance to permit access from a 56‑foot right‑of‑way, a Type 2 variance to eliminate a portion of the right‑of‑way buffer, and a rezoning to a recreational‑vehicle plan development. “Staff is recommending the adoption of the request for the subdivision variance and the Type 2 variance and our recommendation of approval for the rezoning request,” Ferrantani said.

The preliminary site plan cited by staff described a larger program than the applicant’s presentation did: staff noted the preliminary plan indicates a total of 121 campsites — 113 RV sites and 8 camping‑cabin sites — with 1.12 acres of on‑site recreation, a clubhouse with pool and restrooms, a dog park and 143 parking spaces. The applicant’s presentation earlier described a smaller number (13 RV sites and 8 campsites), and the discrepancy was discussed during questions from commissioners.

Commissioners asked about enforcement of maximum stay limits for the cabin campsites, roadway width and circulation on the stretch of Atlantic Avenue adjacent to the site, and whether the nearby West Delray Regional Park and the Loxahatchee Wildlife Refuge support a campground use. Staff and the applicant said campsite stays would be enforced through state requirements and county code, that the roadway meets required non‑plan‑collector standards and has been used by landscape service vehicles, and that the refuge attracts visitors who could use nearby lodging.

Commissioners took separate votes on the subdivision variance (item 9A), the Type 2 variance (9B), and the rezoning recommendation (9C). Each motion carried with commissioners answering “Aye” and no recorded opposition.

With the zoning commission’s recommendation, the proposal will proceed with the companion comprehensive‑plan amendment before the Board of County Commissioners and additional technical reviews before site development permits are issued.