The most issue at the meeting was the discussion surrounding seawall height compliance. With sea levels projected to rise nearly one foot from 2020 to 2050, the Planning Board considered several options to ensure seawalls meet the necessary standards to protect against events like king tides. Current regulations set seawall heights at five feet NAVD88 for properties on the Gulf side and six feet for those on the bay side. The board explored methods for accelerating compliance, including prohibiting administrative waivers after a specific date and requiring upgrades during significant upland improvements.

Concerns were raised about the financial burden on property owners who might face costly upgrades if substantial home renovations are needed simultaneously with seawall height compliance. The possibility of requiring new construction projects to integrate seawall improvements into their costs was suggested, potentially lessening the financial impact on homeowners. Discussions also highlighted the lack of a systematic approach to inspecting seawalls, suggesting the city could conduct routine evaluations, especially after storms, to identify and address code violations proactively.

A notable point in the conversation involved the potential “bathtub” effect if property owners are unable to fill behind their seawalls. This could lead to water pooling and mosquito infestations. The board considered allowing fill behind seawalls while ensuring proper drainage.

In addition to seawall discussions, the board recommended approving Ordinance 20253, which outlines standards for artificial turf on private property. The ordinance specifies that turf is considered impermeable unless it meets certain product and subgrade performance standards, limiting the amount of impermeable surface area on residential lots. Concerns about runoff and environmental impacts prompted the inclusion of standards for the appearance and installation of turf, which must mimic native grasses and follow specific setback and irrigation guidelines. The ordinance excludes turf from required buffer areas but allows it for commercial sports fields, provided it adheres to the same ratio of impermeable to vegetative green space.

The meeting also addressed the city’s multimodal transportation system, particularly the local circulator known as “Freebie.” The board discussed developer contributions to this system, acknowledging resistance from some developers due to the current fee structure not aligning with peak hour impact criteria. A recently approved conditional use permit for the Miramar project included a commitment to the multimodal system, highlighting the need for a predictable contribution process. The board recognized ongoing evaluations of impact fees at both the city and county levels, noting the legal limitations in charging fees that exceed the direct impacts of new developments.