Automotive Commercial (AC) District Delray Beach, Florida
Delray Beach's dedicated automotive district, created so vehicle sales and service have a home outside the Commerce and Industrial districts. Sales, lease and rental of automobiles, trucks, boats, motorcycles and RVs are permitted by right, as is retail and wholesale of vehicle parts WITHOUT on-site installation.
The businesses the AC district in Delray Beach allows. The ones on the left are permitted by right; the ones on the right need a special approval first. (Zoning codes are set by each municipality, so AC here means specifically Delray Beach's AC district.)
Allowed by right
Auto dealership (full service, new cars)Used car dealership / used car lotTruck sales and leasingMotorcycle dealershipBoat dealership / marine salesRV / recreational vehicle salesCar rental agencyTruck rentalAuto parts store (no installation on site)Wholesale auto parts distribution (no installation on site)Utility trailer sales (new)
With special approval
Auto body shop / paint shop (accessory to a full-service dealership only)Auto repair shop / garage (accessory to a full-service dealership only)Full service vehicle repair (stand-alone)Muffler shopBrake shopTire shopOil change / quick lubeWindow tinting shopAuto detailingCar washGas station / service stationTowing service (accessory to a full-service dealership)Limousine serviceBus terminalTaxi stand / dispatch facilityCommercial parking lot
Build envelope
Development standards
Headline dimensional limits for this district. Confirm exact figures against the current code for your specific parcel.
Vehicle sales, lease or rental sitesminimum 1.5 acres, 125 ft frontage, 125 ft width, 200 ft depth (waivable for legally established nonconforming sites)
StandardUtility trailers over 24 feet in length may not be stored on the premises
StandardGeneral development standards of LDR Section 4.3.4 apply
StandardPrincipal and accessory uses require Site Plan Review and Appearance Board approval; conditional uses follow Section 2.4.5(E)
The fine print
In plain English
BY RIGHT No hearing needed
If your business is on the by-right list, you can occupy a space in this district and open — no zoning hearing. Building permits and licensing still apply, but the use itself is already allowed.
SPECIAL Approval first
Special-approval uses can work here too, but they go through a public review before opening. Plan for extra time and possible conditions — we'll tell you which path a space needs.
Looking for space zoned AC in Delray Beach?
Tell us what you'll run in it — we'll match you to the right building in Delray Beach and flag anything that needs approval.
