Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Hendry County OKs special exception allowing Park Avenue Ranch to hold ATF license on 1.75 acres
Summary
The Hendry County Commission approved a conditioned special exception allowing Park Avenue Ranch to house an ATF license on 1.75 acres of a larger agricultural parcel for on-site fabrication and off-site sales tied to the owner's business; the board emphasized safety, emergency access and limiting retail activity onsite.
Hendry County commissioners on Feb. 10 approved a special exception letting Park Avenue Ranch locate an ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) license on a 1.75‑acre portion of a larger agricultural parcel.
Ryan Alexander, the county’s director of planning and community development, told the board the use was tailored to avoid spot zoning: the county and applicant agreed to very specific conditions that limit the activity to fabrication and assembly tied to the license rather than a retail storefront. The local planning agency recommended approval after the applicant addressed questions about emergency services and site compatibility.
Summer Foster, speaking for the applicant, said the operation is primarily to allow the owner to move an existing license and manufacturing activity from Broward County. “This is really for their use,” Foster told commissioners, saying the site would not be open for general retail and that the building is existing on the parcel. Foster added the applicant will pursue required building permits and a certificate of occupancy so fire and emergency systems meet code.
Commissioners asked specifically about vehicle access and emergency response. Alexander said the site has a lime‑rock entrance that connects to State Road 833 and that staff required conditions to ensure emergency services can respond. After discussion, Commissioner Michael Atkinson moved to approve the special exception and Commissioner Emma Byrd seconded; the motion carried on roll call with the board voting in favor.
The approval includes direction that permits and safety reviews must be completed before the licensed activity proceeds. The board did not modify county zoning to create industrial zoning in the area; instead, the recorded approval restricts the licensed activity to the delineated acreage and requires compliance with building and safety permits.
Next steps identified by staff include finalizing conditions in the special‑exception resolution and ensuring the applicant secures the construction and safety permits required by county building and fire officials.
