The Riviera Beach Planning and Zoning Board unanimously recommended the city council approve a zoning map amendment for 2428 Broadway to allow Busch Canvas and Interior Inc. to expand its operations and parking.

Senior planner Juan Suarez presented the application, saying the property is currently designated RSA (single-family) and that staff found the rezoning request to Downtown Core code-compliant after review by zoning, utilities, CRA, engineering and the building official. Suarez told the board staff’s recommendation is to forward approval with a condition that the applicant submit a site plan application within 18 months of zoning approval.

Andrea Jarvis, co-owner of Busch Canvas, said the shop — founded in 1965 and described in the presentation as the county’s longest-running canvas shop — needs more space and parking to accommodate boats for on-site repairs. “We built this facility back in 2000…we're running out of space for parking, and we'd like to expand our operations,” Jarvis said.

Board members asked practical questions about current occupancy and site changes. Jarvis confirmed an employee currently lives in the house the owners plan to demolish and said the owners will add parking and keep an open area to allow boats to pull in. Juan Suarez clarified that under the Downtown Core standards the typical maximum building height is four stories unless a parcel provides civic open space at a scale comparable to the property, a condition that could allow additional height.

Neighbor Ben McAlevey, who lives on East 25th Street, asked about vertical development limits; Suarez answered that the district’s effective height limit is four stories absent a civic-open-space contribution.

After discussion, Marie Davis moved to recommend approval, seconded by Sandra Stringer. The board recorded unanimous approval from Anthony Brown, R. Williams, Sandra Stringer, Marie Davis and Chair William Wiley.

The board’s recommendation will be forwarded to Riviera Beach City Council for final action. If the council approves the rezoning, the applicants must submit a site plan within 18 months to implement the proposed parking and operational changes.