Commission recommends OC‑20 designation for 7812 Causeway Boulevard; staff found change consistent

Alexis Myers, planning commission staff, presented HCCPA 24‑40, a privately initiated, small‑scale map amendment proposing to change 7812 Causeway Boulevard (approximately 8.39 acres in the Greater Palm River area) from Residential‑9 to Office‑Commercial‑20 (OC‑20). Myers noted the site is vacant, within the urban service area and that surrounding land uses include light industrial, light commercial and single‑family residential.

Under Res‑9 the parcel could consider up to nine dwelling units per acre or about 182,734 square feet of nonresidential uses at a 0.50 FAR (with limits on nonresidential FAR above 0.35). Under OC‑20 the site could consider up to 20 dwelling units per acre or about 274,101 square feet of nonresidential uses at a 0.75 FAR; higher nonresidential FAR above 0.35 must be for office or residential‑support uses rather than retail.

Staff found the change consistent with compatibility and community design policies, noting OC‑20 is already present to the south and the proposal would continue the scale and mix of uses along Causeway Boulevard. The applicant, Todd Pressman, said the site is adjacent to intensive commercial uses and that a community meeting produced no opposition.

Commissioner Kona moved and Commissioner Buza seconded a motion to find HCCPA 24‑40 consistent with the comprehensive plan; the motion passed unanimously. The applicant stated a companion rezoning application is in process; any site development will be subject to zoning conditions and neighborhood review.