Council approves conversion of 1081 Holland Drive to indoor paddle facility with parking deviation

The Boca Raton City Council voted unanimously to approve a conditional use and site plan allowing a large‑scale indoor paddle (padel) facility at 1081 Holland Drive. Development Services staff said the conversion would use approximately 28,356 square feet of an existing roughly 76,000‑square‑foot industrial building and add a 13,370‑square‑foot mezzanine for courts, locker rooms, a lounge and three private offices. Heather Hanson, senior planner with Development Services, told the council that staff supported a technical deviation to reduce the number of required off‑street parking spaces from 173 to 153 based on the court facility’s parking demand and that a single parking space near the front door would be designated for pickup and drop‑off as a condition of approval.

The applicant’s attorney, Javier Fernandez of SMGQ Law, said the facility’s busiest hours would typically be late afternoon through evening, approximately 4 to 10 p.m., and that the operator agreed with the conditions outlined by staff. No public cross‑examination or rebuttal was requested during the quasi‑judicial hearing; the Planning & Zoning Board had recommended approval 6‑0. Councilmember motions to adopt Resolution 140‑2024 (conditional use) and Resolution 141‑2024 (site plan with conditions) passed by roll call vote, 5‑0.

The approval includes the parking deviation and the staff‑recommended conditions intended to reduce operational impacts on adjacent industrial uses and the public right‑of‑way. The council’s action authorizes implementation of the approved site plan; separate permits and any required inspections remain part of the city’s standard development review process.

The council closed the hearing after adopting both resolutions.