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Board approves Preston Residences rezoning over residents’ objections, 5–2
Summary
The commission voted 5–2 to rezone a 1.67‑acre Square Lake parcel from Residential Estate to Residential Transitional (Z202501889), despite extensive resident opposition citing septic, well water and neighborhood character; staff had recommended approval and zoning commission recommended denial 0–9.
After extended public comment and debate, the Palm Beach County Commission voted 5–2 to rezone a 1.67‑acre property in the Square Lake neighborhood from Residential Estate (RE) to Residential Transitional (RT), a change that the applicant said would allow a later subdivision into two single‑family lots under the county’s rounding policy.
Applicant representative Seth Bain told the board the property is consistent with surrounding development pattern, noting many adjacent lots are already under an acre and that staff’s analysis found the rezoning consistent with the future land‑use designation. Staff recommended approval, and the application is vested for two units under comprehensive plan rounding (1.67 acres rounds to two units when the fractional remainder is 0.5 or greater).
Nine Square Lake residents spoke in opposition, citing a long‑term absence of sewer and reliance on septic and well water, and warning that approving the rezoning would set a precedent that could encourage additional lot splitting and higher density. Residents emphasized the neighborhood’s long history, wildlife and the difficulty of retrofitting sewer to scattered parcels. Multiple speakers said the zoning commission had voted 0–9 to deny the request.
Commissioners debated compatibility and legal exposure. Commissioner Marino moved to deny the rezoning, arguing the change would be incompatible with the neighborhood; the motion failed. Commissioner Powell moved to follow staff’s recommendation and approve rezoning from RE to RT; Vice Mayor Woodward seconded. Roll call produced a 5–2 result in favor of rezoning (Yes: Powell, Wise, Flores, Woodward, Mayor Baxter; No: Sachs, Marino). The mayor explained his reluctant yes vote citing concern about legal exposure if the board denied an application that met staff’s consistency findings.
The rezoning does not itself subdivide the parcel; any subdivision or utility connections would require later, separate approvals and (where applicable) payment and installation of utilities to serve additional lots. Opponents noted those subsequent steps before the board; staff confirmed subdivision and sewer connections are separate processes. The record closed with the 5–2 approval and the board recessed for lunch.
