A recent notice has caught the attention of Atlantic Beach residents, specifically those property owners living within a 300-foot radius of the Light Industrial & Warehousing zoning district. The City of Atlantic Beach has announced a series of public hearings regarding a proposed change to the local Land Development Code. At the heart of the ordinance is the potential introduction of gyms and health clubs into typically industrial zones.
According to a public notice published by the City of Atlantic Beach, Ordinance No. 90-25-256 proposes an amendment to the Land Development Regulations that, if passed, would allow these fitness-oriented businesses to operate in areas designated for light industrial use and warehousing. The first meeting of the Community Development Board took yesterday at 6:00 PM, and further discussions are scheduled for July 14 and July 28 before the City Commission.
Meetings are open to the public and held at the Commission Chambers, located at 800 Seminole Road, with materials related to the amendment available at the City's Community Development Department. Those with a stake in the decision, or simply an interest in the city's development plans, are invited to attend and air their views. The notice also welcomes written comments prior to the hearing, allowing for a breadth of community input on the matter.
This shift in zoning practice could open the doors for a new blend of commerce in areas that have traditionally been reserved for industrial use. The ordinance details that specific amendment would "amend Section 24-113(C) to allow gyms and health clubs as a use-by-exception in Light Industrial and Warehousing districts." It also sets out provisions for recordation, and an effective date for the amendment should it be approved. Residents in need of special accommodations for the hearings are prompted to contact the City Clerk’s Office at least three days beforehand, as noted by the City of Atlantic Beach.
