Recreation/open-space district (R-E-2 estate residential at 0.5 du/acre plus city recreation); private golf, stadiums, equestrian and athletic fields by conditional use.
The businesses the REC district in Boca Raton 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 REC here means specifically Boca Raton's REC district.)
Allowed by right
Uses permitted in the R-E-2 residential district (single-family residences), max 0.50 living units per gross acrePrivate gardensParks and recreational facilities owned/leased/operated by the city, Greater Boca Raton Beach and Parks District or county (Sec. 28-1305(a), all districts)City-owned water, sewer, reclaimed water and stormwater facilities (Sec. 28-1305(a), all districts)Buildings, facilities and uses owned/leased/operated by the city, incl. police and fire stations (Sec. 28-1305(b), nonresidential districts)
With special approval
Dwelling for resident employee/caretaker (min 750 sf; site of 5+ acres under single ownership)Golf courses (private, semiprivate or public) not owned/operated by city, Beach and Parks District or countyOpen land or fields for polo, baseball, football, track and field or other athletic games (not city/district/county-owned)Stadiums and associated structures and grounds (not city/district/county-owned)Equestrian areas for horse shows, bridle paths, livestock exhibitions, animal shows and rodeos (not city/district/county-owned)Buildings up to 85 feet used exclusively or primarily for sport or recreation
Build envelope
Development standards
Headline dimensional limits for this district. Confirm exact figures against the current code for your specific parcel.
StandardHeight 25 ft from crown of fronting road (85 ft for approved conditional sport/recreation buildings)
StandardGolf course night illumination prohibited; FAR 0.5 non-residential (Sec. 28-307)
StandardRead from Sec. 28-1197 (permitted), Sec. 28-1198 (conditional); permitted = by right, conditional = needs conditional-use / special-exception approval
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 REC in Boca Raton?
Tell us what you'll run in it — we'll match you to the right building in Boca Raton and flag anything that needs approval.
