Zoning board approves special use for proposed Grace Marine dealership with conditions

The Davenport Zoning Board of Adjustment voted to approve a special-use permit for a proposed boat dealership to operate at a former Michael's Fun World site in Ward 8.

Scott Coates of Development and Neighborhood Services told the board the property is zoned C3, which requires a special use for boat sales classified as heavy retail. Staff recommended approval with four conditions: maintain the appropriate number of parking spaces (and, if outdoor display is used, meet a required 1 space per 1,000 square feet of outdoor display); avoid boat displays visible from Interstate 80; obtain any applicable city dealership license within 90 days; and return for board review if ownership changes.

Maddie Miller, the realtor for the owners, said owner Joe (not present) could not attend and confirmed the applicants are not proposing permanent outdoor displays. Owner representative Jeff Dennveston asked whether temporary loading or customer pickups would be allowed; staff clarified that loading/unloading would not be treated as a sales display. Coates noted staff sent notices to property owners within 200 feet and received no written comments.

Board members discussed the storage/display distinction and the parking implications if the business later sought outdoor sales. With no public opposition, a board member moved to approve the special use with staff's four recommended conditions; the motion passed on roll call. The approval allows the business to operate under the specified limitations and requires the applicants to return if their proposal changes or ownership transfers.