Planning and Zoning Board Meeting - March 19, 2026
STREAMING COPY IN PREPARATION — RECORDING AVAILABLE FROM THE ORIGINAL SOURCE
Planning and Zoning Board Meeting - March 19, 2026
The Planning and Zoning Board of the City of Boca Raton met on March 19, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The board approved the minutes from the previous meeting and conducted a quasi-judicial public hearing regarding a conditional use and site plan amendment for Palm Beach International Academy at the Boca Raton Innovation Campus (BRIC). The board voted unanimously in favor of both items. Additionally, the Director's Report highlighted the need to appoint a board member to the Affordable Housing Action Committee.
Consent Calendar
- Minutes of February 5, 2026: Approved by unanimous vote (6-0) without discussion.
Public Comments & Testimony
- No members of the public spoke during the public requests portion of the meeting.
Discussion Items
- Palm Beach International Academy at BRIC (Items 5.A.i and 5.A.ii): The board considered two related requests for the approximately 124.2-acre BRIC property at 5000 T-Rex Avenue:
- Conditional Use Approval (CA-25-06): To authorize a 5,711 square foot private school for grades 6 through 12 (maximum 50 students on site) within an existing 1,770,417 square foot building in the Light Industrial Research Park (LIRP) zoning district.
- Site Plan Amendment (SPA-03-01R2): To add 20 short-term bicycle parking spaces (14 outdoor, 6 indoor) and update the site plan to reflect current conditions on the northern portion of the property.
- Staff (Brandon Chad, Development Services Director) and the applicant (David Millich, representing Miskel Backman, LLP) presented the hybrid remote/in-person school model, noting that students would attend 10–25 hours per week, with no set arrival/departure times. The applicant stated that student biking is not anticipated due to the location and surveyed usage at similar facilities; however, 282 bicycle parking spaces already exist across BRIC. Board members asked about bicycle access to the site and the distinction between short-term and long-term bike parking. Staff noted that future mixed-use plans for BRIC include significant streetscape improvements.
- Director's Report: Brandon Chad informed the board about the Affordable Housing Action Committee, which requires a planning and zoning board member per ordinance. The seat was previously held by Ms. Ritchie. The committee met three times last fall with meetings lasting 1–2 hours. Board members were asked to consider volunteering; the appointment will be addressed in coming months.
Key Outcomes
- Item 5.A.i (Conditional Use): Motion to approve passed unanimously (6-0). Voting yes: Chair Sevell, Matthews, Morgan, Dornblaser, McDermott, Mitchell.
- Item 5.A.ii (Site Plan Amendment): Motion to approve passed unanimously (6-0). Same roll call.
- Next Steps: The board’s recommendations will be forwarded to the City Council for final action. The board will select a member to serve on the Affordable Housing Action Committee at a future meeting.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening. Today is March 19th, 2026. It is 6 p.m. This is the Planning and Zoning Board meeting of the City of Boca Ratown. Will everyone please rise for the pledge of allegiance? And to the Republic of Stands. One nation under God, indivisible liberty and justice. Thank you. Jamie, please call the roll. Chair Saville. Here. Mr. Matthews? Here. Mr. Mirable? Ms. McDermott? Here. Mr. Mitchell. Present. Mr. Morgan. Here. And Mr. Drumlazer. Here. Yeah, of course. Thank you. We don't have any amendments to the agenda this evening. We have first item is the minutes of February 5th. I would look for a motion and a second for approval. Motion for approval. Second. Any discussion? All in favor? Aye. Okay. Next item is a quasi judicial public hearing. I would ask the city attorney to explain the procedure. Good evening, Mr. Chairman and members of the board. Chris Fernandez, Senior Assistant City Attorney. The rules of the City Council provide that each applicant requesting approval, relief, or other action for the Planning and Zoning Board this evening shall disclose at the commencement of the public hearing. Any consideration provided or committed directly or on its behalf for an agreement to support or withhold objection to the requested relief or action. A copy of the quasi-judicial rules governing tonight's public hearing are attached to the agenda and are available from the city clerk. Anyone that is going to speak, please rise and be sworn in. Do you swear affirm any testimony you give at this public hearing will be truthful and accurate? Thank you.
openpublica.com