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West Palm Beach approves first reading of zoning amendment to formalize reasonable-accommodation requests for FHA and ADA

West Palm Beach City Commission ยท February 17, 2026

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Summary

The commission approved first reading of Ordinance No. 5165-26, a city-initiated text amendment adding a formal request-for-accommodations process to chapter 94 to comply with the Fair Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act; staff said Florida law effective July 1, 2025, requires a documented process in local regulations.

The West Palm Beach City Commission on Feb. 17 approved the first reading of a city-initiated zoning text amendment to add a formal procedure for requesting reasonable accommodations under the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Assistant Development Service Director Angela Vann told the commission the city currently manages informal requests but that Florida statute effective July 1, 2025, requires government entities to provide a formal process in their regulations. The proposed ordinance (No. 5165-26) would add a new section to chapter 94 to establish a written procedure to evaluate FHA and ADA accommodation requests, such as allowing an increased occupancy for unrelated residents or approving front-yard pavement modifications to support wheelchair ramps when setbacks or landscaping requirements would otherwise block needed access.

Planning staff recommended approval (5-0) at their Jan. 21 meeting and staff said the proposal meets required amendment standards in the zoning and land development regulations. The commission approved first reading and scheduled second reading for March 2, 2026.