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Atlantic Beach approves rezoning of Mayport Road parcel and allows gyms in light‑industrial district by exception
Summary
The commission approved a map amendment and rezoning for the western 70 feet of 310 Mayport Road and adopted a land‑development amendment permitting gyms and health clubs as a use by exception in the light‑industrial/warehouse district, allowing case‑by‑case review by the Community Development Board.
The Atlantic Beach City Commission approved two related land‑use measures affecting Mayport Road property and the city’s light industrial zoning district.
On final reading the commission changed the future land use designation of the western 70 feet of 310 Mayport Road from residential‑medium to commercial and rezoned the same parcel to commercial‑general. Amanda Askew, director of neighborhoods, said the property contains existing nonconforming storage units and staff evaluated public‑facility capacity and neighborhood impacts; the Community Development Board had not recommended approval, but staff and the commissioners found grounds to approve. The motions passed 4–1.
Separately, the commission adopted an amendment to the land‑development regulations to allow gyms and health clubs in the light industrial/warehousing district as a use by exception. Proponents — including Christine Michelle, co‑owner of Triple Threat Athletes — said a use‑by‑exception process preserves the city’s discretion and public input while allowing small, locally owned youth training businesses to apply. "This is not a blanket rezoning," Christine Michelle told the commission, asking the city to "bring Atlantic Beach in line with regional zoning practices without giving up authority to approve or deny individual cases."
Opponents raised concerns that adding gyms could introduce incompatible uses (noise, odors or traffic) in an area selected for light industrial activities. Commissioners said the use‑by‑exception structure gives the Community Development Board the power to deny applications that present health or safety risks.
Both the comprehensive plan amendment/rezoning and the land‑development change passed on 4–1 votes; Commissioner Kelly was the dissent on the gym exception motion. Staff will rely on the CDB’s review for future individual applications and may develop findings and conditions as proposals are submitted.
