The Zoning Commission of Palm Beach County on Sept. 11 recommended approval of proposed Unified Land Development Code revisions for the Westgate Community Redevelopment Area overlay (WCRAO) that would change how the overlay handles density bonus units, parking requirements and administrative waiver processes.

Denise Pennell, Director of Planning and Development for the Westgate CRA, and zoning staff described the revisions as intended to support form‑based code principles, allow greater flexibility for infill redevelopment, and better align overlay rules with the comprehensive plan. The amendments delete a numeric cap (previously listed in the ULDC at 1,300 units) and instead reference the comprehensive plan to define the density bonus pool; they also create a clearer approval pathway tied to unit counts (stand‑alone concurrency for 1 bonus unit on lots ≤1 acre, administrative DRO approval for 4–22 units per acre, and Board of County Commissioners approval for bonus density above 22 units per acre).

On parking, the revisions would allow applicants to pursue administrative (type 1) or public‑hearing (type 2) waivers to reduce required parking by up to 15% when accompanied by a parking demand statement and management plan. The proposed changes also expand alternative vehicle parking allowances (motorcycle and scooter spaces) and reduce the guest parking requirement from one space per four units (25%) to one space per five units (20%) for projects that utilize the density bonus. Staff said the waiver options are voluntary and intended to reduce reliance on variances.

Why it matters: Westgate is an urban, transit‑proximate area where city and county planning staff want to encourage mixed‑use redevelopment and more housing. The revisions aim to remove regulatory obstacles that can force redesigns or loss of units when higher density is sought.

County staff and CRA leaders said the amendments improve clarity and convert older tables into text for readability as part of a longer effort to modernize the ULDC. The commission recommended approval to the BCC; staff found the revisions consistent with the comprehensive plan and the Board of County Commissioners had previously authorized the request for permission to advertise.