Council advances marina parking code change after revisions; resident urges denial

The council advanced on first reading a zoning text amendment Oct. 9 that revises Tequesta’s marina parking rules. The rewrite narrows an applicant’s earlier request so that a reduced ratio of one parking space per two slips would apply only to the first 30 slips at a marina; facilities with live‑aboard, boat‑rental or boat‑club operations would be required to provide two spaces per slip. Charter boats, wet slips and crew amenities also received clarified parking standards in the updated text.

Community Development staff said the revisions are intended to protect the village from understaffed or under‑parked larger developments while accommodating smaller marinas that have demonstrated limited upland area. Staff noted Planning & Zoning Board recommended approval 5‑0.

Marie Perry, a resident, urged council to reject the code change and instead grant a variance for the applicant. Perry argued that the proposed ordinance lowers parking requirements across the zoning district rather than addressing unique constraints at the applicant’s site, and that a variance — which applies only to the affected property — would be the correct tool because it would preserve the integrity of the code and avoid creating a district‑wide loophole.

Councilmembers and staff said the revised code is narrower than the earlier draft and intended to address concerns about shared uses (restaurants, rentals, clubs) that generate higher parking demand. The item passed first reading after a motion and voice vote.

Staff indicated the ordinance will return for second reading with associated site plan and special exceptions scheduled to coincide with the hearing.