Quasi-Judicial Hearing - Review and approval of an application for Waiver of Distance submitted by Property Owner, Levyco LLC, and Representative Mohammad Sohid, to operate a 30-machine arcade amusement center at 2061 South US Highway 1 within 1,250 feet of an arcade located at 2051 South US Highway 1 in Fort Pierce, FL. The property is zoned General Commercial (C-3). Parcel ID: 2415-341-0020-000-4.

The applicant is requesting the review and approval of a Waiver of Distance to operate a 3,188 sq ft Amusement Arcade Center with 30 arcade machines. The approximately 0.7 acres property is located just north of Virginia Avenue and west of S. US Highway 1. The subject site is surrounded by commercial uses to the north, south, east, and west. The subject site is considered an outparcel of the Gateway Retail Shopping Plaza. The building where the proposed use will be located was formerly a Payless Shoe Store. The property has a Future Land Use of General Commercial (GC) and is zoned General Commercial Zone (C-3).
 
The proposed Arcade Amusement Center is specifically dedicated for adults 21 years of age and up. The project’s floor plan will consist of a registration-front desk, 30 arcade machines, 2 ADA accessible restrooms, and a storage area. Hours of operation will be Monday through Friday from 8am-12am and Sat through Sunday from 8am-2am. There will be 2 staff members present at all times and security provided from 5pm-12am daily.  
 
Per City Code 125-325. – Amusement Arcades and Arcade Amusement Centers.(1)(c): No arcade amusement center shall be located within 1,250 feet of another arcade amusement center. Such distance shall be measured from closest property line to closest property line. A Waiver of Distance Application is required because the proposed use of Arcade Amusement Center is within 1,250 feet of another proposed Arcade Amusement Center, Gateway Plaza Arcade (2051 S. US Highway 1).
 

The proposed use offers a provision of Arcade Amusement Centers representing a limited commercial use that is compatible with the surrounding neighborhood and is generally consistent with the City’s Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code with appropriate restrictions. Therefore, Staff recommends APPROVAL.

• Approval with alternate conditions
• Denial

Vennis Gilmore, Planner

Technical Review Committee