Zoning commission backs ULDC change to give flexibility for fitness‑center uses, replacing percentage cap with performance standards

The Palm Beach County Zoning Commission voted to recommend approval of a privately initiated text amendment to the Unified Land Development Code that would change how fitness‑center uses are regulated in Commerce (CMR) areas.

Jennifer Mort of Jay Morton Planning, representing the applicant, said the amendment responds to prior board direction and replaces the existing percentage cap on fitness‑center floor area with two performance standards: fitness‑center pedestrian circulation must not conflict with commercial‑vehicle circulation, and trip‑generation associated with fitness uses must not exceed the levels already approved in the relevant development order. "The proposed language replaces the commercial cap with two performance standards," Mort said.

Supporters from community groups and recreation providers told the commission the change would allow indoor courts, gymnastics and similar community‑serving activities while relying on traffic/trip standards to contain intensity. Dagmar Bras and others said the amendment would serve neighborhood needs without increasing vehicular or noise impacts beyond staff thresholds.

The commission moved, seconded and voted in favor of recommending the amendment to the Board; staff will carry the recommendation forward with the record and proposed conditions for legislative consideration.

Next steps: the zoning commission’s recommendation will be transmitted to the Board of County Commissioners for legislative action; any final code changes would be adopted through the board’s public process and ordinance adoption.