Sanford approves exceptional use for free clinic at 1109 French Ave.

The Sanford City Commission voted Jan. 12 to grant an exceptional‑use permit allowing a community resource facility (CRF) and associated urban‑infill variances at 1109 French Ave., enabling a CDBG‑funded free clinic to locate in an existing, nonconforming building.

Staff planning director Eileen Hinton told the commission the CRF classification covers facilities that provide services such as substance‑use and mental‑health treatment, food distribution and community residential programs and that the application required waivers for distance separations, buffers and setback rules because the existing building does not meet current dimensional requirements. Staff and the Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval subject to a development order that includes conditions addressing parking, noise, circulation and public‑safety measures.

Applicant Anwar Syed, sworn before the commission, said the vacant building had attracted trespassing and crime and described the project as a community benefit. “We want police protection. We want safety features. We want vegetation,” Syed said, adding that the project had been delayed for years and that the applicant would comply with staff‑imposed conditions.

Commission discussion focused on compatibility with the neighborhood and the setbacks, with staff explaining that the urban‑infill flexibility is designed to make older, existing buildings viable for community uses while allowing the commission to prescribe safeguards. No members of the public spoke in opposition during the public hearing.

The commission moved and approved the exceptional‑use application; the motion passed (recorded as 4–1). Staff will prepare a development order listing conditions and a timeline for submittals and inspections. The applicant must provide final construction and material details consistent with the development order before building permits are issued.