Boca Raton Planning and Zoning Board Meeting Summary: July 17, 2025

The Planning and Zoning Board of the City of Boca Raton met on July 17, 2025, at 6:00 PM. The meeting included three quasi-judicial public hearings and one regular public hearing. Key actions included approving a landscaping condition revision for North Park, granting a variance for a residence in Willow Greens at Broken Sound, and recommending an amendment to increase the maximum building height in the R-5 zoning district from 85 feet to 100 feet for certain large-scale planned developments.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of June 5, 2025 – Approved unanimously.
• Minutes of June 26, 2025 – Approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Richard Parrish (7751 East Country Club Boulevard) spoke during the North Park hearing, inquiring about the formula used to determine the beautification contribution and whether funds are earmarked for specific projects. He asked whether the proposed off-site improvements adequately substitute for the payment.
• Michael J. Schneider (5500 Northwest 2nd Ave, condo #3) spoke during the North Park hearing, expressing opposition to a skate park at the park and stating that most neighbors want a golf course. He noted that the original 2022 plan did not mention skateboarding.
• Chandra Madulla (5800 Northwest 2nd Ave) spoke during the North Park hearing, stating that residents are unaware of the park's plans and requesting information about whether a skate park, soccer field, or other recreational facilities are coming.

Discussion Items

5A. North Park – Landscaping Beautification Condition Revision

Staff presented a request from the Greater Boca Raton Beach and Parks District to delete a condition requiring a $95,000 beautification contribution for the 69.49-acre North Park (former Ocean Breeze golf course) at 5800 Northwest 2nd Avenue. The applicant will complete off-site street improvements (sidewalk, street trees along Jeffrey Street, 67th Street, and portions of 2nd Avenue), which staff argued meet the same intent. No physical changes to the park are proposed. The board approved the revision unanimously (5-0).

6A. Ratafia Residence – Variance Request

Staff presented a variance request from Allan Ratafia to allow an 8-foot 9-inch side setback instead of the required 10-foot on the north side for a garage addition for golf cart parking at 6095 NW 23rd Avenue (Willow Greens at Broken Sound). The lot is irregularly shaped; the north property line slants south, reducing space. The addition would add six feet to the existing garage with a separate door, matching the front facade. Staff found the variance reasonable due to the unique lot shape and that it meets minimum requirements. The board approved the variance unanimously (5-0), with a condition that the addition's roof line connect seamlessly to the existing garage roof line as approved by the HOA.

7A. R-5 Height Text Amendment

Staff and applicant Bonnie Miskel, representing Boca Owner LLC (the owner of the Boca Raton resort), presented an ordinance to increase maximum building height in the R-5 Multifamily Residential zoning district from 85 feet to 100 feet, but only for buildings within a planned development master plan of at least 100 acres. Staff confirmed this would apply only to the Boca Raton property (the only qualifying parcel) and found no inconsistencies with the comprehensive plan. The applicant stated that the Boca Raton resort has had over half a billion dollars in improvements under MSD Foundation (which directs about 90% of revenues to charity), and that future projects would require site plan review. The board approved the amendment for recommendation to the City Council unanimously (5-0).

Key Outcomes

• North Park Condition Revision: Approved 5-0. Condition to pay $95,000 beautification contribution is removed; off-site street improvements will be completed in lieu.
• Ratafia Residence Variance: Approved 5-0. Variance granted for 8-foot 9-inch side setback (required 10-foot) for a golf cart parking addition, with condition on roof line consistency.
• R-5 Height Text Amendment: Approved 5-0 for recommendation to City Council. The amendment increases maximum height to 100 feet for buildings within a planned development master plan of at least 100 acres, effectively applying only to the Boca Raton resort property.