The proposed construction of the fire pump structure on South Ocean Boulevard was a focal point of the meeting. The board considered application number PZ-25-31, which requested variances to decrease the front yard setback from 40 feet to 8 feet 7 inches and the south side yard setback from 12 feet to 7 feet. The need for the new structure stemmed from the inadequacy of the existing fire pump rooms in meeting National Fire Protection Agency code requirements. The structure was designed to house two new fire pumps, which would provide critical services to the four residential buildings within the Seagate community. The town planner explained that these measures were essential to replace an old bulk storage area and facilitate fire hose connections at key locations such as the seawall and dock.

The board’s decision hinged on compliance with specific variance criteria, requiring at least four affirmative votes. The assistant fire chief and fire marshal supported the application, citing the current fire pump systems’ deficiencies and the proposal’s alignment with safety standards. The introduction of a new fire hydrant on the property was also noted as a significant improvement to emergency response capabilities.

Board members raised concerns about the proposed building’s height, the aesthetic impact on the community, and the necessity of elevating the foundation to meet local code requirements. The elevation was designed to comply with FEMA’s base flood elevation guidelines. This compliance required the building’s foundation to be raised to an elevation of plus 8 feet, resulting in a total height of approximately 18 to 18.5 feet. Questions about potential alternative locations for the fire pump structure were explored, particularly spaces near existing stair towers and the clubhouse, but these were ultimately dismissed due to existing designations for those areas.

A notable aspect of the discussion was the applicant’s decision to utilize natural gas as the fuel source for the fire pumps, a choice scrutinized for its adherence to NFPA standards. The assistant fire chief provided assurances that natural gas could meet the requisite reliability standards, especially in light of recent power outages. The planned infrastructure changes, including the installation of a new fire hydrant and improved water pressure systems, underscored the project’s importance for enhancing safety protocols.

Inquiries into the visual impact of the structure from the sidewalk along A1A were also prominent, with landscaping plans being a critical factor. A proposal to include a condition in the building permit to ensure the structure would be fully screened was discussed to mitigate its visibility. The color scheme, intended to match existing buildings, was deliberated, with suggestions for adjustments to make the street-facing side less obtrusive.

The board also addressed the implications of setting a precedent for similar future variance requests. While no similar variance requests for fire pump structures had been made in the past six years, concerns about potential future applications were raised. It was emphasized that each request would be evaluated independently, based on its merits and the specific circumstances of the property in question.

Ultimately, the board voted 4-to-1 in favor of approving the variance application, allowing the project to proceed. This decision marked a step in ensuring the Seagate community’s compliance with modern safety codes while addressing the practical challenges posed by the proposed structure’s design and location.

Following the approval, the board transitioned to other agenda items, including the nomination and appointment of new leadership positions. Michael Thor was nominated and accepted as chairperson, with a new vice chairperson also appointed. The current secretary, Mr. Harris, was retained, and all nominations were approved collectively.