Boca Raton Officials Reevaluate CIMD Ordinance After Public Gym Controversy

Boca Raton officials are reexamining the city's Commercial-Industrial Multi-family Development (CIMD) ordinance following concerns over developers fulfilling commercial space requirements with amenities like gyms.

 

The CIMD ordinance permits the conversion of commercial or industrial zones into residential areas, provided that a portion includes commercial businesses to maintain community vibrancy.

 

However, some developers have been incorporating facilities such as small gyms or tutoring centers—technically open to the public but primarily serving residents—to meet this requirement.

 

This issue became prominent with the Bocora at City Center project at 6419 Congress Avenue.

 

In this case, a planned private gym was converted into a 2,086-square-foot public facility to comply with the ordinance, raising questions about the intent of such commercial spaces.

 

In response, the city's planning and zoning board unanimously recommended amending the ordinance to exclude gyms, fitness centers, and personal services like tutoring centers from counting toward the commercial requirement.

 

A city staff memorandum stated, "Such uses do not meet the intent of providing 'retail sales or services' as part of, or in proximity to, CIMD projects."

 

The proposed amendment aims to ensure that commercial spaces genuinely serve the broader community.

 

It would require these businesses to operate as distinct entities, accessible to the public for at least 45 hours per week, with separate entrances and appropriate signage.

 

The city council is expected to review this recommendation in an upcoming meeting.

 

Currently, CIMD properties must include non-residential spaces within a quarter-mile of the residential portion, occupying at least 10,000 square feet, or 10% of the residential development.

 

City Planner Brandon Schaad emphasized the importance of genuine commercial activity, stating, "It just takes a demonstration that it's real. Eyes on the street is an important element."

 

As Boca Raton continues to adapt to evolving housing demands, ensuring that commercial components of mixed-use developments authentically contribute to community life remains a priority.