Boca Raton City Council Regular Meeting – February 24, 2026

The Boca Raton City Council met on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 6:05 p.m. for a regular meeting that lasted until 10:30 p.m. The council considered a wide range of items, including a fitness center conditional use and site plan for The Boca Raton resort, an ordinance clarifying freestanding emergency facility regulations (postponed for further study), an ordinance updating City Council rules of procedure, an ordinance clarifying retail requirements in commercial‑industrial multifamily developments (CIMDs), and an ordinance strengthening candidate residency verification. Several downtown land‑use ordinances were postponed to the March 24 meeting. Public comment focused on the downtown campus project, code enforcement, and other community concerns.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of the workshop meeting of February 9, 2026 and the regular meeting of February 10, 2026 were approved unanimously.
• A proclamation recognizing March 2026 as Florida Bicycle Month was presented. The city now has over 84 miles of bicycle lanes and shared‑use paths.
• Consent Agenda items (Resolutions 015‑2026, 016‑2026, 017‑2026 and board minutes) were adopted on a single motion, 5‑0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• On the Fitness Center Conditional Use & Site Plan (Items 11A&B):
  • Stephanie Rosenzweig (200 SE Mizner Blvd) expressed concern that the existing service entrance on SE Mizner Boulevard could become a construction entrance for the fitness center and future towers, conflicting with a 1990 condition that the entrance be used exclusively by hotel employees and service vehicles. She requested that the Camino Real members’ entrance be used instead.
  • Joseph Bujalski (17309 Boca Pointe Way) raised questions about a 99‑year agreement between the Boca Raton Hotel and his community, contending that the hotel’s maintenance obligations have not been upheld and that the city should address property rights before approving the fitness center.
• On the Freestanding Emergency Facilities Ordinance (Item 12B):
  • John Donaldson (800 Crestwood, Royal Palm Beach) presented a parking study showing that freestanding ERs typically require about two parking spaces per 1,000 sq ft, while the city’s proposed rate of 1.75 per 1,000 sq ft for surgical centers is higher. He urged reliance on empirical data rather than a generic standard.
  • Dr. Evan Goldstein (2517 Seminole Circle), an emergency medicine physician, testified that his freestanding ER in West Boca sees up to 90 patients per busy day, receives 2–3 ambulances daily (up to 10 on busy days), and has a 11 % admission rate. He emphasized the need for adequate access, noise management, and parking.
  • Josh Brody (7897 Placio Del Mar Dr) argued that the ordinance was initiated in response to a specific denied application and that emails obtained through public records show that draft language was prepared by a private attorney for a council member, raising concerns about who is shaping the city’s zoning rules.
  • Jeffrey Barker (1905 NW Corporate Blvd), representing the owner of the parcel that was denied a freestanding ER, questioned the eligible‑parcels map, noting that many sites shown lack direct access to arterial roads. He also argued that the proposed parking requirement (5.7 spaces per 1,000 sq ft) is far above observed usage in similar facilities.
  • Gila Brand (980 N Federal Hwy) stated that the overturned application had been properly vetted and supported by staff and the planning board, and that the new ordinance appears to be drafted to exclude that site and favor another property.
  • Jonathan Unj (6501 Congress Ave) also highlighted the disparity between the city’s parking standard and those of other municipalities, and questioned why access requirements are more restrictive than those in Palm Beach County.
  • Richard Warner (1322 SW 9th Terrace) expressed confusion over why a medical facility should be blocked by bureaucratic parking debates, and criticized the council for delaying the matter.
• On the Rules of Procedure Ordinance (Item 12A):
  • Pam Paschke (341 SW 2nd St) asked whether a majority of three votes is needed for passage, suggested clarifying that any speaker prohibition applies only to that meeting, and questioned whether the rules adequately require disclosure of relationships with subject matter.
  • Richard Warner asked where the full compendium of rules could be found and whether the changes would reduce transparency.
• On the CIMD Retail Clarification Ordinance (Item 12G):
  • John Donaldson questioned why the first 2,000 sq ft of retail in CIMDs generates traffic counts and parking requirements, even though the city provides a 5 % trip reduction and a $12.80 shuttle fee per trip.
• On the Candidate Residency Verification Ordinance (Item 12H):
  • Pam Paschke asked how a renter who pays utilities to a landlord could satisfy the new three‑document requirement.
  • Richard Warner questioned whether voting history alone proves non‑residency and whether utility bills are sufficient proof of residence.
• Public Requests (Item 14):
  • Brianna Hanquist (5710A Coach House Circle) advocated for preservation of urban forests and gopher tortoises, and requested arborist reports for three 100‑year‑old banyan trees removed at 400 S Dixie.
  • Michelle Grow (4550 NW 23rd Terrace) challenged the claim that One Boca is contributing $127 million in upfront funding, stating that it is borrowing capacity based on assumptions, and that the city’s public facilities are taxpayer‑funded.
  • Sherry Croyle (1224 SW 14th St) reported ongoing violations of the city’s occupancy limits in single‑family zones, with absentee landlords renting to more than three unrelated students.
  • Margie Aloy (210 SE Mizner Blvd) asked the council to require the developer of a new condo tower to shift a proposed road to avoid cutting mature trees, using an existing paved maintenance entrance instead.
  • Phil Croyle (1224 SW 14th St) suggested adding Section 28‑2 (definition of family) to the supplemental code enforcement procedures in Section 9.60 to lower the burden of proof for initial violation notices.
  • Richard Warner criticized the city for not addressing short‑term rental (Airbnb/VRBO) enforcement and for allowing what he called misleading advertising by One Boca.
  • Elizabeth Decker (498 NW 7th Ave) argued that the downtown campus project was not designed with residents’ input, and that the February 24 meeting was too late to address core concerns before the March 10 referendum.
  • Martha Parker (64 NW 7th St) urged a “no” vote on ballot question 2, stating that a no vote preserves Memorial Park and allows time for a community‑driven plan.
  • Judy Morrow (address not given) criticized the developer’s mailers as misleading, arguing that they show tree‑filled renderings instead of the seven high‑rise towers planned.
  • Meredith Madsen (1193 SW 19th St) accused the council of creating the current divisive atmosphere and urged voters to reject both ballot questions and elect candidates who will bring the community together.
  • John Shy (4686 NW 2nd Ct) defended the project, saying he trusts the renderings and will hold the developer accountable. He rejected claims that he was paid by One Boca.
  • Joe Majes (254 NE 5th St) praised the council for allowing a direct up‑or‑down vote on the downtown project and encouraged voters to choose truth and experience over inflammatory rhetoric.
  • Eric Blanchett (102 NE 2nd St) alleged that Save Boca has violated campaign finance and election laws, and that their petition drive misled voters about their voting rights.
  • Stephanie Rosenzweig (200 SE Mizner Blvd) asked that a condition be placed on future approvals for the Boca Raton resort tower to prohibit construction vehicles from using the SE Mizner Boulevard service entrance, citing Vision Zero and complete‑street commitments.
  • Multiple other speakers also addressed the downtown campus, park preservation, and code enforcement.

Discussion Items

• Amendments to the Agenda: The council voted unanimously (5‑0) to postpone four downtown land‑use ordinances (Items 12C through 12F – Ordinances 5771, 5774, 5775, 5776) to the March 24, 2026 meeting. Item 12B (Ordinance 5767 on freestanding emergency facilities) was also postponed to the next regular meeting after a lengthy discussion and public hearing, with direction to bring it back at a workshop and regular meeting. Councilmember Drucker expressed disappointment that the postponement was not discussed earlier, but the council agreed to continue study.
• Fitness Center Conditional Use & Site Plan (Items 11A&B): Staff and the applicant presented the proposal for a three‑story, 52‑foot‑tall, 31,695‑sq‑ft fitness center at the Boca Raton resort. The use would be limited to members and hotel guests, and no additional vehicle trips or parking are expected. The Community Appearance Board and Planning and Zoning Board recommended approval. After public testimony, council voted 5‑0 to approve both resolutions.
• Ordinance 5757 – Rules of Procedure: City Attorney Kaler explained that the update modernizes outdated language, clarifies existing practices, and consolidates scattered rules. Examples include gender‑neutral terms and a current version of Robert’s Rules. Public comment raised questions about quorum definitions, speaker restrictions, and disclosure requirements. The council adopted the ordinance 5‑0.
• Ordinance 5767 – Freestanding Emergency Facilities (Item 12B): Development Services Director Shad presented the proposed code amendment allowing freestanding emergency facilities as conditional uses in certain zoning districts, with requirements for arterial access, no school‑zone adjacency, no abutting single‑family, and dedicated ambulance loading. Staff recommended approval. Public testimony was extensive, with supporters emphasizing the need for clear regulations and opponents questioning the process and specific standards (parking, access, buffers). Councilmembers raised concerns about conditional‑use uncertainty, parking rates, access points, and the need for more data from established facilities. The item was postponed to the next workshop and regular meeting for further study.
• Ordinance 5773 – CIMD Retail Clarification (Item 12G): Director Shad explained the need to clarify that on‑site retail in CIMDs must be genuine, publicly accessible businesses (excluding gyms and tutoring). The Planning and Zoning Board recommended a 45‑hour per week minimum operating requirement. The council debated whether 40 or 45 hours was appropriate and ultimately adopted the ordinance with the 45‑hour requirement (5‑0).
• Ordinance 5777 – Candidate Residency Verification (Item 12H): City Attorney Kaler stated that the ordinance increases required proof documents from two to three, adds declaration of domicile, and requires submission of a current voter information card. The council adopted it unanimously (5‑0).
• City Manager and Council Reports: City Manager announced a public workshop on the police headquarters on February 25 at Spanish River Library. Councilmembers reported on legislative updates, the new Poor Lamar seawall (35‑ft deep metal barrier), affordable housing, CRA extension, and infrastructure projects. Mayor Singer thanked staff and residents, noting that the downtown campus vote is a direct yes/no question on the March 10 ballot.

Key Outcomes

• Approvals (all 5‑0):
  • Minutes of February 9 and February 10, 2026.
  • Consent Agenda (Resolutions 015‑2026, 016‑2026, 017‑2026, and board minutes).
  • Resolution 012‑2026 (conditional use for fitness center at The Boca Raton).
  • Resolution 013‑2026 (site plan for same).
  • Ordinance 5757 (Rules of Procedure).
  • Ordinance 5773 (CIMD retail clarification) – amended to require 45 hours per week operation.
  • Ordinance 5777 (candidate residency verification).
• Postponed: Items 12C through 12F (downtown land‑use ordinances) moved to March 24, 2026. Item 12B (freestanding emergency facilities ordinance) postponed to the next workshop and regular meeting for further research and discussion.
• Directives: Staff was directed to investigate code enforcement issues related to occupancy limits, short‑term rentals, and tree preservation at specific sites. City Attorney to provide follow‑up on petition acceptance procedures.
• Next Steps: The council will hold a workshop on February 25 for the police headquarters. The next regular meeting is scheduled for March 24, 2026 (no meeting on March 10 due to the municipal election).