Planning board approves special exception to allow on‑premises alcohol at neighborhood restaurant

The Okeechobee County Planning Board on Jan. 27 voted to grant a special exception (petition 202500836) allowing on‑premises sale and consumption of beer, wine and other alcoholic beverages at a restaurant in the NE 13th Avenue/Dallas Park neighborhood.

Bill Royce, county planning staff, told the board the building has operated as a store and a bar at various times over decades and is currently vacant. Royce recommended approval with conditions designed to limit neighborhood impacts: the use must commence within 24 months; on‑site lighting must be shielded to minimize impacts on adjoining properties; screening must be provided to mitigate impacts to an occupied residence east of the site; the premises must be maintained; the establishment must be closed by midnight; and staff recommended signage directing patrons to the applicant’s off‑site parking once established.

Board members questioned staff about parking and noise control. A member noted that patrons historically park alongside the street and suggested a condition requiring designated‑parking signage to direct customers to the applicant‑owned lots across the street. Another member asked whether fencing was planned; staff said no fencing was proposed and the application limited outside activities.

A board member moved to grant the special exception as written with the listed conditions and to add a requirement for parking signage once parking is established; another member seconded the motion. The motion passed by voice vote. The board recorded the action without an individual roll‑call tally in the record.

The item was presented as petition 202500836; the applicant was not present for oral comment.

What happens next: the special exception is approved by the planning board; any required permits, inspections or follow‑up compliance checks will proceed through county staff processes.