Planning and Zoning Board Regular Meeting - July 16, 2026

The City of Boca Raton Planning and Zoning Board met on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 6:00 PM at City Hall. The board, with four members present (Chair Arnold Sevell, Vice Chair Timothy Dornblaser, Secretary Gregory Mitchell, and Board Member Jorge Camejo; absent: Les Matthews, Harry Mirabile, Chaim Morgan), held quasi-judicial public hearings on a site plan amendment and two variances, all of which were approved unanimously. The meeting also included board member reports on neighborhood development, tree planting policies, and pedestrian infrastructure.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes of the Regular Meeting of April 16, 2026, by a voice vote (all in favor).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Dean Pol (resident, 955 Lago Mar) spoke on behalf of the Lago Mar HOA, expressing full support for the 900 Lago Mar wall variance, stating it does not adversely affect neighbors and that the applicant spent considerable effort on the building.

Discussion Items

• 1000 Federal Investments – Phase II (1000 N. Federal Hwy.) – A minor site plan amendment to add an approximately 10,000 sq. ft. one-story commercial building (8,000 sq. ft. furniture showroom, 2,000 sq. ft. retail) on a 2.527-acre site. Board member Camejo raised concerns about excessive driveway widths (24 ft.) and over-parking (90 spaces vs. 81 required), arguing the design promotes speeding and undermines pedestrian safety. Staff noted the driveway width meets the minimum code standard but no maximum exists. The applicant’s representative, Ellie Zacharias, requested modification of the voluntary median beautification fee, proposing it be calculated based on the new building’s frontage rather than the entire property’s frontage. After discussion, the board amended the motion to reduce the voluntary beautification fee to $14,000 (from an initial calculation based on 610 ft. of frontage). The board also discussed potential code changes to driveway widths and the minor site plan approval criteria.
• 900 Lago Mar Wall Variance (900 Lago Mar Ln.) – A variance to allow a fence up to 10.3 ft. high (instead of the maximum 6 ft.) along the northern property line due to a grade differential created by FEMA flood elevation requirements. Staff recommended approval, noting the variance is necessary to meet Florida Building Code fall-hazard standards and does not conflict with the comprehensive plan. The applicant’s representative, David Millich, explained the elevation disparity is pre-existing and that the fence will be 6 ft. measured from the property’s grade and 10.3 ft. from the lower adjacent lot. No public opposition; board approved unanimously.
• 1150 Innovation Center Variance (1150 NW Broken Sound Pkwy.) – A variance to reduce the minimum street yard setback along NW Broken Sound Boulevard from 100 ft. to 70 ft. 9 in. for two two-story office/light industrial buildings (total 71,624 sq. ft.) on an 11.68-acre site. The variance allows reallocation of the landscape buffer to create a 35–40 ft. green space between the commercial buildings and an adjacent multifamily residential building. Staff noted the board had previously recommended approval of the overall site plan amendment on April 16, 2026, and this variance is the final remaining component. The applicant’s representative, David Millich, emphasized the improved buffer and smart land use. Board approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Motion for 1000 Federal Investments – Phase II (amended to reduce voluntary beautification fee to $14,000) passed 4-0. The board’s approval includes the reduced fee; the applicant is expected to pay that amount voluntarily.
• Motion for 900 Lago Mar Wall Variance passed 4-0.
• Motion for 1150 Innovation Center Variance passed 4-0.
• No formal board action was taken on the following topics raised during board member reports, but staff acknowledged they are under review:
  • Board Member Camejo requested evaluation of code amendments to reduce driveway widths and to modify the minor site plan approval criteria (specifically removing the 10% parking increase threshold).
  • Staff (Brandon) confirmed the city council has not yet directed changes to single-family home height interpretations but the issue is being examined.
  • The Engineering Design Standards Manual was updated in 2025 to no longer allow coconut palm planting in swales; board discussed potential solutions for existing unpermitted trees.
  • Concerns about maintenance of pedestrian safety barriers on 2nd Street and Mizner Boulevard were noted.
  • Board Member Mitchell suggested creating an administrative process for fence variances related to mandatory lot elevation increases, pending further study by staff.

Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 7:03 PM.