Planning board approves jiu-jitsu academy, carport variance, restaurant alcohol permit and a residential rezoning

At its meeting the St. Johns County Planning & Zoning Agency approved several routine land-use actions.

• Rudy’s Jiu Jitsu (Major 2026-03): Applicant Daniel Desario presented plans for a commercial recreation academy at 5210 Crescent Technical Court, describing adequate on-site parking, building egress, and a buffer from nearby residences. The board amended the staff condition to allow operating hours beginning at 4 p.m. (instead of 5 p.m.), adopted staff findings and approved the special-use permit unanimously.

• Glisson variance (Zoning Variance 2025-31): Chet Glisson requested a small setback variance for a carport and provided neighborhood precedent. A neighbor, Paul Shillotow, spoke in favor. The board approved the variance unanimously based on staff findings and conditions.

• Volcano Japanese Cuisine (Minor Mod 2026-003): Jae Wang represented a request to allow on-site alcohol consumption with food service at 180 Richardson. The board approved the minor modification 5–1. The applicant said inspections remain and they hope to open in about a month.

• Surfside Avenue rezoning (Rezoning 2026-02177): James Whitehouse presented a cleanup rezoning request to change three legally platted lots at 177 Surfside Avenue from CHT to RS3 single-family residential to match the neighborhood and vested land use; the board recommended approval unanimously.

Each of these items was presented with staff reports and site-specific conditions; approvals will be reflected in the official record and, where required, returned in subsequent permitting and construction reviews.