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Board approves increase in capacity at Live Oak Detox, ties parking waiver to operational controls
Summary
The planning board on Aug. 11 recommended approval of a conditional-use permit allowing Live Oak Detox Center to increase short-term detox occupancy from 14 to 16 clients, subject to a condition tying a prior parking waiver to the facility's current operational model and restricting parking to staff and service vehicles.
The Fort Pierce Planning Board on Aug. 11 recommended approval of a conditional-use application allowing Live Oak Detox Center at 912 Avenue I to increase its licensed short-term residential detox capacity from 14 to 16 clients.
City staff presented the application, noting the facility is licensed by the Florida Department of Children and Families and accredited by The Joint Commission. The property at parcel ID 2403-707-0009-000-6 sits in an R4 (medium-density residential) zone surrounded by single-family homes and vacant parcels. Staff said prior conditions from a 2016 conditional-use approval were completed, including a fence, landscaping and payment in lieu for parking.
Cody Neely, representing Live Oak Detox, told the board that the facility provides medically monitored withdrawal services and that "none of the residents, like we said, then none of them actually drive in or keep their cars there on property." Neely said transportation for clients is provided by staff and that staffing and parking had not increased in a way that changed the facility's operational footprint.
Board members raised concerns about on-street parking in the residential neighborhood and whether the site had sufficient on-site stalls. Staff and the applicant said the facility previously paid a payment in lieu for additional parking and that operational controls (staff transportation only, no patient vehicles, no visitation) limit parking demand. The board added a condition tying the conditional-use approval to the operation described in the application (including staff-provided transportation and parking limited to staff and service vehicles) so that the waiver for physical parking would apply only while the facility operates as presented.
Mr. Johnson moved for approval with the proposed condition; Ms. Clements seconded. The roll call vote was unanimous in favor: Ms. Clements: yes; Mr. Whiting: yes; Mr. Johnson: yes; Ms. Carter: yes; Mr. Collins: yes; Chair Bridal: yes.
Board members said they supported the facility's services to the community while making clear they wanted enforceable operational conditions to reduce impacts on neighboring streets.
