The applicant proposes to occupy two of the building's storefront units with a total of 3,315 square feet for a Youth Computer Coding Workshop where children would engage in computer coding. The facility would be operated by a franchisee of Code Ninjas, which has similar centers nationwide. It would contain two workrooms, a lobby, and support areas. This type of facility is an unlisted use in the Downtown Mixed Use District - Park Place subarea, and as such it requires Conditional Use.
Land Use and Zoning: The subject property has a Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map (FLUM) designation of Local Activity Center. The proposed request is consistent with the underlying FLUM designation and the applicable Comprehensive Plan provisions. It is located in the Downtown Mixed Use District, Park Place subarea. The Youth Computer Coding Workshop is an unlisted use, however it is permitted if conditional use is granted.
Zoning District Regulations:
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Standard
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Required
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Proposed
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Status
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Minimum Pervious Area
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5%
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13.7% Existing
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Complies. Application is for interior work only
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Front Setback
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12’
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103.7' Existing
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Complies. Application is for interior work only
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Side Setback
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10’
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0' Existing
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Complies. Application is for interior work only (pre-existing condition)
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Rear Setback
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10’
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37.5' Existing
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Complies. Application is for interior work only
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Building Height Limit
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3 stories / 36’
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1 story / 12'
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Complies. Application is for interior work only
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Parking Spaces (Commercial: 4 per 1,000 SF)
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38
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45 spaces are supplied for entire building
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Complies. No additional parking is required
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Sec. 24-41 Master Business List:
(8) Any use not listed on the master business list, as amended from time to time, shall be considered an "unlisted use." Such applications shall be reviewed and considered according to the conditional use provisions set forth herein.
Sec. 24-165 Conditional Use Criteria:
(C) Review criteria. The Commission shall not approve a Conditional Use, unless and until it finds that:
(1) The proposed use is essential to the proper functioning of a utility system or is specifically listed as a permitted Conditional use in the district in which it is to be located;
(2) The use is deemed desirable for the public convenience or welfare, and the use is in harmony with the purpose and intent of this chapter and will not be detrimental or injurious to the surrounding area.
(3) When granting approval for Conditional use, the board may attach conditions and safeguards, in addition to those prescribed in the district regulations, as they determine are necessary for the protection of the surrounding area and to preserve the spirit and intent of the ordinance.
(4) The application must also meet all the following criteria, where appropriate:
(a) Conformance with comprehensive plan.
(b) Harmony with adjacent uses (existing or zoned).
(c) Facility levels of service maintained.
(d) Use not hazardous to nearby housing, particularly traffic; see (B) above.
(e) The architectural and site design are compatible with the character of the
surrounding area.
Sec. 24-265 Downtown Mixed Use District:
(1) Conditional uses: Use determined to be conditional within the Downtown Mixed Use District must meet certain criteria to be allowed within the district and require a public hearing and approval by the City Commission. Such criteria include consideration of (a) appropriateness, (b) traffic impact, (c) parking, and (d) compatibility with adjacent properties. Conditional uses shall be subject to Section 24-165 of the Oakland Park Land Development Code.
Findings:
The applicant proposes to finish an existing storefront in a recently renovated building and convert it into a Youth Computer Coding Workshop, operating a nationally franchised computer coding program for kids. The existing site configuration is to remain, and existing parking areas for the entire site, of which 38 spaces are required and 45 spaces are provided, would be utilized by this applicant to serve this space.
The proposed Youth Computer Coding Workshop use is an unlisted use in the Land Development Code. The use is a relatively new use that is differentiated from other listed uses such as artist studio or artisan/craftsman workshop in its specific character and focus on technology. Although the participants create computer code to develop games and other computer applications, this use is unique in that no tangible product that can be seen or held is produced. With the evolution of new technology and other changes in the way business is conducted, future amendments to the Land Development Code to address these changes will be considered.
The criteria for approval are listed in Section 24-165 of the Land Development Code and included with this report.