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Jacksonville Beach planning commission approves conditional use for 2-unit multifamily at 130 Eighth Ave. N.
Summary
The Planning Commission approved a conditional-use request to allow conversion of an existing single‑family structure at 130 Eighth Avenue North into a two‑unit multifamily dwelling in the C‑1 Commercial district, with approvals conditioned on parking relief from the Board of Adjustment and building‑permit review of sewer connections.
Jacksonville Beach Planning Commission voted to approve a conditional‑use application to allow a two‑unit multifamily dwelling at 130 Eighth Avenue North, a property currently zoned C‑1 Commercial but occupied by a single‑family structure.
The decision, made after a staff recommendation for approval, came with conditions tying parking to any relief granted by the Board of Adjustment and requiring standard building‑permit and public‑works review to confirm sewer capacity and other utilities.
Planning and Development staff presented the application as “PCO125,” saying the lot was formerly part of a larger multifamily approval from 1998 but has since been split into a separately owned parcel. Christian Popoli of the Planning and Development Department told the commission the proposed two‑unit use would be the lowest‑intensity multifamily allowed under the C‑1 district and that staff recommended approval. Popoli noted a companion variance application would go to the Board of Adjustment for related relief.
Timothy Whalen, the applicant, said the project intends to keep the existing footprint and not expand beyond the current structure’s walls, describing the proposal as “two simple units” and saying the square footage “is not to exceed what existing structure is there.” Popoli confirmed building‑code upgrades would apply and that plumbing and electrical work would be addressed through the normal permit review.
Resident Edith Roberts, who lives at 132 Eighth Avenue North, raised concerns about a narrow easement between nearby houses, a sewer lateral that she said ‘‘hasn’t been really tested,’’ and limited on‑street parking at the end of the street that serves beach access. Roberts told the commission she and neighbors had experienced parking congestion in the past and asked the commission to consider those impacts.
In response, the applicant and his contractor explained they plan to clear debris and provide four on‑site parking stalls behind the building reached from the alley; staff said existing right‑of‑way parking has been counted separately and that the parking issue would be reviewed by the Board of Adjustment as part of the companion variance. On sewer capacity, Popoli said the development and building‑permit review by Public Works, Beaches Energy, the building official and the fire marshal would identify any required upgrades and, if needed, the developer would follow the city’s process to increase capacity.
After discussion, a commissioner moved to approve the conditional use with the condition that required parking relief be obtained through the Board of Adjustment and that utility and sewer adequacy be verified through the regular permitting and construction review. The motion passed in roll call votes recorded as yes by Commissioners Debbie Cole, Matthew Feiler and Dean Haddock; the chair announced the application was approved.
The approval allows the project to proceed to the variance request and subsequent building and civil review; any required off‑site improvements or sewer upgrades will be addressed during those later permitting stages.
