Zoning commission backs code change to expand fitness‑center space in commerce/industrial zones

The Palm Beach County Zoning Commission voted to initiate Phase 1 of a privately proposed amendment to the Unified Land Development Code that would raise the allowable portion of building square footage used for fitness‑center type uses within commerce/industrial MUPDs from 20% to 35%.

Lauren McClellan of J. Morton Planning (presenting for the applicant) said the request is targeted to allow large‑bay, high‑ceiling fitness uses — indoor tennis, indoor pickleball, gymnastics and similar facilities — to locate in modern industrial and commerce buildings. She said the BC Commerce project already has tenant interest, including a signed agreement with American Twisters and commitments for indoor pickleball and tennis operations.

McClellan said the comprehensive plan already allows commercial recreation uses within industrial future‑land‑use designations, and county staff reviewed context and earlier ULDC language that had limited fitness uses to 20% of building area when the commerce category was introduced in 2023. The change would be applied countywide where the commerce or similar industrial designations exist.

Commissioners asked about the amendment’s geographic reach; staff said it would apply broadly to industrial sites with EDC/commerce future‑land‑use designations. Local community groups present, including COBRA and neighborhood representatives, spoke in favor of the change, saying residents want family‑oriented uses nearby. After public comment the commission voted to initiate Phase 1 and to recommend moving forward with Phase 2 analysis.

If advanced, the amendment will proceed to further technical review, parking and traffic analyses and public hearings. The applicant and staff said any development would still have to meet parking, traffic and other code requirements during project review and permitting.