TO: Mayor and City Commission
FROM: Cale Curtis, City Manager
DATE: December 10, 2025
Title
APPEAL OF THE OCTOBER 14, 2025 BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT DECISION FOR VARIANCE APPLICATION 25-400057 - FOR PERMISSION TO REDUCE REQUIRED PARKING BY 131 PARKING SPACES, WAIVE PERIMETER LANDSCAPE REQUIREMENTS, WAIVE INTERIOR LAND ISLANDS, AND MAKE A NONCONFORMING STRUCTURE LESS CONFORMING. MATTHEW H. SCOTT, ESQ. GREENSPOON MARDER, LLP, AGENT FOR DOUGLAS BRAWN, MARGATE ACQUISITION, LLC. 5600 LAKESIDE DRIVE.
BACKGROUND: On October 14, 2025, the Margate Board of Adjustment denied a variance request for 5600 Lakeside Drive. Section 40.323(H)4 ULDC provides that any aggrieved person may appeal the decision of the Board to the City Commission. Applicant submitted a request for an appeal on October 17, 2025. The original application materials and staff report as they were prepared for the Board of Adjustment have been attached to this item without alteration for City Commission review. In addition, draft meeting minutes, the Board of Adjustment Order, and applicant’s request for an appeal have been provided.
Applicant seeks a reduction of 131 required parking spaces and elimination of a portion of required perimeter landscaping buffers in order to convert an existing long-term care facility to a 174-unit low-rise multifamily development. For a multifamily development with 174 dwelling units of two bedrooms or less, Sections 40.705(I) and 40.554(K) of the Margate Unified Land Development Code (ULDC) require a minimum of 381 parking spaces. Applicant proposes to provide 250 parking spaces. Section 40.704(F) of the ULDC requires perimeter landscape buffers of at least 10 feet in width along adjacent right-of-way. Applicant proposes to provide no landscape buffers along the south property line, and along a portion of the east property line. Applicant seeks to expand the nonconforming features of the parking lot. Section 40.308(D)1 of the ULDC provides that no nonconforming structure may be altered in any way that increases its nonconformity. Applicant seeks to provide no interior islands in the parking area. Section 40.704(H)1b. ULDC requires at least one interior island every 10 parking spaces, and each island shall be at least 11 feet in width (including curbs) and 18 feet in length.
RECOMMENDATION: Denial
FISCAL IMPACT: N/A
CONTACT PERSON: Elizabeth Taschereau, Director of Development Services