🗓️ Palm Bay Planning & Zoning Board to Review Key Projects on March 5, 2025
Palm Bay, FL —The Palm Bay Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Board will convene on March 5, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers to review several significant land use and zoning requests that could shape the city’s development. Below is an overview of each proposal on the agenda, along with the recommendations from city staff.
🏫 Old Business
🏥 Brevard Nursing Academy Expansion (CU25-00002)
Brevard Nursing Academy, a fast-growing institution dedicated to training healthcare professionals, is requesting approval to relocate to a larger facility in Palm Bay. This move is aimed at expanding its programs to meet the increasing demand for trained nurses and medical assistants. The new site, located in a Light Industrial and Warehousing District, offers more space and upgraded infrastructure, ensuring students have access to modern classrooms and hands-on training areas.
Request: Approval of a Conditional Use Permit to establish a private educational institution within a Light Industrial and Warehousing (LI) District at 1470 Treeland Boulevard SE.
Background: The decision was postponed at the applicant’s request during the February 5 meeting.
Staff Recommendation: Approval, contingent on compliance with parking and traffic impact regulations.
🏗️ New Business
Variance Request – Evan and Amanda Werner (V24-00007)
Evan and Amanda Werner are seeking a variance to construct a carport that extends beyond the standard setback requirements for their property. They argue that the layout of their lot and existing structures make it difficult to place the carport elsewhere without obstructing access to their home. Supporters of the project believe it enhances the home’s functionality without disrupting the neighborhood's character. However, some neighbors have raised concerns about visibility issues and potential impacts on property values.
Request: Approval of a variance to allow a carport that encroaches 25 feet into the required 25-foot side corner setback at 3202 Jackson Avenue NE.
Staff Recommendation: Denial, due to concerns about maintaining zoning consistency and potential impacts on sightlines and neighboring properties.
♻️ Foundation Park Recycling Center Applications
The Foundation Park Recycling Center is a proposed green initiative aimed at establishing a sustainable waste processing facility in Palm Bay. The facility would focus on recycling construction debris, yard waste, and other materials to reduce landfill dependency and promote environmental responsibility. Developers claim the project will create an estimated 50 to 75 full-time jobs, as well as additional temporary construction positions. Additionally, the facility is expected to generate millions in local revenue through taxes and associated business growth. However, nearby residents have expressed concerns over potential noise pollution, increased traffic, and environmental risks, all of which will be considered by the board.
Future Land Use Map Amendment (CP24-00011)
Request: Change the land use designation of a 15.4-acre parcel from Low-Density Residential (LDR) to Industrial (IND). The site is located south of Foundation Park Boulevard SE, west of Babcock Street SE.
Staff Recommendation: Approval, citing compatibility with nearby industrial properties and economic benefits.
Rezoning Request (CPZ24-00007)
Request: Rezone a 15.4-acre parcel from Single-Family Residential (RS-2) to Light Industrial (LI).
Staff Recommendation: Approval, provided that adequate buffering and environmental protections are implemented.
Conditional Use Permit (CU24-00008)
Request: Authorization for a Green Recycling Facility within a Light Industrial and Warehousing (LI) District.
Staff Recommendation: Approval, contingent on implementing safeguards for noise control, traffic management, and environmental impact mitigation.
📢 What’s Next?
The Planning and Zoning Board will review each request and make recommendations to the City Council, which will have the final say on these proposals. Residents are encouraged to attend the meeting or submit public comments via email, the city’s online portal, or by mailing written statements to City Hall before the meeting date.
Curated by AI and fact-checked by The Palm Bayer.