Panel backs code change to allow self‑storage in commercial‑office zones

Alex Byray of the zoning division presented a proposed revision to the Palm Beach County Unified Land Development Code that would allow self‑service storage facilities in zoning districts with a commercial‑low‑office or commercial‑high‑office future land‑use designation and increase the maximum floor‑area‑ratio to 0.85. Byray said the change restores a use allowed in the 1990s that was omitted in the 2003 code rewrite and recommended the commission find the amendment consistent with the comprehensive plan and forward it to the Board of County Commissioners for 1st reading.

During public comment, Lisa Johnson, speaking for the Acreage Landowners Association, urged caution and said storage should not be allowed in commercial‑low designations adjacent to rural residential streets. "Commercial low would allow it in the overlay area... and those were to reflect the acreage neighborhood plan and keep the rural character," Johnson said. Commissioners asked staff to clarify distinctions between commercial‑low, commercial‑low‑office and commercial‑high‑office designations; staff confirmed that the proposal would be subject to class A conditional use review and that the commission had previously authorized advertising for first reading. Commissioner (S10) moved to recommend approval for both parts of the revision and the motion passed by voice vote.

The recommendation forwards the proposed code text to the BCC for formal hearings; staff said draft LDR language will be circulated to multiple agencies for review before final adoption.