One item at the meeting was the deliberation over a development order application submitted by 2455 South Ocean Boulevard LLC, seeking to construct a detached garage and a pickleball court. The proposal detailed an 1,800 square foot garage alongside an equally sized pickleball court. The board scrutinized the application, noting that town codes reference tennis courts but lack specific guidelines for pickleball courts. The applicant proposed an 8-foot fence, complying with tennis court standards, to be hidden by landscaping, intending to minimize visual impact.

Potential noise disturbances from the pickleball court became a focal point of concern. Board members discussed prior communications with neighboring property owners who expressed apprehension over potential noise. The applicant’s representative addressed these issues by proposing the use of noise-reducing equipment, including “no-noise balls” and paddles. The board considered conditioning the approval on the usage of such equipment to mitigate disturbances, an approach the representative confirmed as acceptable.

The board referenced a past incident where noise complaints led to the discontinuation of pickleball in another community. Members discussed the town’s ambiguous noise ordinance, which lacks specific decibel limits, and agreed that the proposed noise mitigation measures were adequate. The meeting concluded with a motion to approve the application, incorporating the condition to use noise-reducing equipment, thereby addressing community and board concerns.

In another significant agenda item, the board reviewed a development order application by William Thomas of Unlimited Permit Services, Inc. This application aimed to amend a previously approved special exception, proposing changes to a seawall and dock configuration. Key modifications included increasing the seawall height from 6.5 to 6.83 feet NAVD, expanding the dock area, and modifying the elevator boat lift.

Despite the seemingly minor adjustments, public comments highlighted concerns over visual impacts. Resident Mike Thorson voiced objections, emphasizing the potential obstruction of views across the canal, describing the appearance as a “wall across the street.” Thomas assured the board that the additional dock piles would be concealed beneath the structure, mitigating visual disruptions. The discussion covered compliance with the town’s comprehensive plan and relevant provisions, emphasizing the project’s adherence to regulations.

The board assessed the visual implications of the proposed dock expansion, acknowledging challenges in gauging impacts from certain angles. Clarifications were provided regarding the dock’s dimensions and compliance with the maximum width requirements. Builder Darren Donley reaffirmed that the visible formwork was temporary and not indicative of the final structure.

Following thorough discussions, the board unanimously approved the application, recognizing the measures taken to address community concerns and ensure regulatory compliance.

The meeting also touched on another application from Seagate of Highland Condominium, Inc., requesting a special exception to install wood piles under existing finger docks. The board evaluated structural concerns, discussing whether the finger docks required complete replacement or additional support. The applicant’s representative explained that visual inspections identified areas needing reinforcement, and the board approved the request following a public hearing.