The meeting’s main focus was the approval of development order application PC-24 D7 for 3519 South Ocean Boulevard, LLC. Presented by Mark Hunley of Chared International Architecture, the application sought an amendment to a previously approved site plan for a new three-story single-family residence. The amendment included moving the structure approximately nine feet westward and a slight increase in the square footage under air conditioning. A notable aspect was the property’s designation as a non-conforming lot due to its 60-foot width, below the required 80 feet for single-family dwellings in the RML zoning district. The board had previously approved the site plan and noted that the project complied with town codes. Despite inquiries about the reasoning for the westward shift and the LLC’s address discrepancy, the board members voted unanimously in favor of the application after a public hearing with no comments from attendees.

Another major agenda item was development order application PC-24 D9 by NJC Highland LLC, requesting site plan approval for a three-level residence with a pool on South Ocean Boulevard. The Town Planner presented the proposal, which included a substantial 8,154-square-foot structure east of the Coastal Construction Control line, necessitating future state approval. The board was informed that typically, Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) approval would precede site plan consideration, but the Town Manager allowed the review to proceed with the understanding that FDEP approval would be obtained before issuing a building permit.

An issue emerged regarding the removal of four Buttonwood trees, classified as specimen trees. The applicant claimed the trees were hazardous, supported by a landscape architect’s letter, which sparked a debate on the definition of specimen trees under the town code. Despite the applicant citing a state statute exempting certain tree removals from permits, the board expressed confusion over the trees’ health status and their designation as specimens. After a brief discussion, the board approved the application with a condition for obtaining FDOT approval before issuing a town building permit, without public comments challenging the proposal.

The board also deliberated on development order number PC-24 D15 for a special exception allowing a new seawall, dock, and boat lift on Tranquility Drive. The proposal included a 1,366.6-inch seawall, and Town Planner Allen highlighted minor discrepancies between the town-submitted and FDOT-approved plans, deemed non-impactful to the permit’s validity. A board member raised concerns about the absence of ladders in the plans, which the applicant’s representative addressed by noting ladders are not mandatory. Another member questioned the wall’s construction method, confirming it would be placed outside the existing one to prevent backfill loss.

The discussion shifted to protected trees, specifically two Cal Ailum trees on a neighboring property. A resident, Norman Weinstein, voiced concerns about the potential impact of seawall construction on these trees, requesting the presence of a registered arborist and seawall contractor to assess the situation. The conversation delved into the legalities of trimming trees extending onto neighboring properties, with suggestions for the planning board to avoid imposing conditions that might lead to disputes. Ultimately, the board approved the project without additional stipulations, allowing the involved parties to manage tree trimming issues independently.