BZA denies request to convert 125 Shark Key Way into event venue; board adopts staff findings

The Board of Zoning Appeals on Dec. 11 denied a variance request that would have allowed the owners of 125 Shark Key Way to operate outdoor commercial events without direct vehicular access to a designated minor arterial.

Town staff recommended denial, saying the application failed to meet the Land Management Ordinance’s variance criteria and raised public‑safety, traffic and neighborhood‑character concerns. "Staff recommends the BZA deny this application based on the findings and facts and conclusion of law," Senior Planner Michael Connelly told the board.

The variance sought relief from an LMO locational restriction that permits outdoor commercial recreation (other than a water park) only when a site has direct vehicular access to a minor arterial. Connelly told the board the property sits in the Mitchellville District and is covered by corridor and airport overlays; staff concluded there were no…