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Applicant and city disagree over classification for Margate transitional living facility
Summary
An applicant and city staff disputed whether a proposed transitional living/rehab facility should be classified I-2 or downgraded to R-4; the applicant said fire and occupancy paperwork shows I-2 and asked for a meeting with staff and mayor; the commission consented to meet but made no decision.
An applicant for a transitional living and rehabilitation facility told the Margate City Commission she and her partners believe the building should operate under an I-2 classification but city staff asked for a downgrade to R-4, a difference the applicant said could affect patient safety.
Kendrick Nobles, an investor who said he lives in Tamarac and operates a business within Margate, described the project as "a transitional living facility that will cater to people who have spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries." He said the business seeks occupational licensing at the classification for which it was originally approved and that downgrading the building could create life-safety liabilities.
Applicant Miriam Jimenez said the approved zoning, certificate of occupancy and license paperwork indicate an I-2 classification that allows for occupants who may be incapable of self-preservation. Jimenez told commissioners she submitted fire approvals and that the building meets requirements she believes are necessary for I-2 use; she said a city reviewer then requested that the use be downgraded to R-4 and asked for a meeting to resolve the discrepancy.
City staff and commissioners said the building official provided instructions about what was needed and suggested the applicant meet with the city clerk and relevant staff to work through outstanding items. The presiding officer said commissioners do not direct the building official but offered consensus that staff meet with the applicant to review requirements, with no promise of a particular outcome.
No vote or formal action on licensing was taken at the meeting; commissioners offered to schedule staff-level meetings to attempt to resolve the classification and permitting questions.
