The City of Wildwood's Board of Adjustment convened for its monthly meeting on July 18, 2024, emphasizing its commitment to transparency and public participation. The meeting, moderated by Planner Robin Keefe, allowed for both in-person and virtual testimonies regarding various petitions.

Chair Jared Frank opened the session by outlining the hearing procedures, which included a structured process for presenting evidence and testimony related to variance requests. The board members present included Bob Morris, Arne Sprunger, Mike Lee, and Kevin Lux, alongside city officials and a court reporter.

The primary agenda item involved a continued hearing regarding a petition from Doug Nance of Lombardo Companies. The request pertains to the construction of a new single-family dwelling at 3320 Whitsett Fork Road, which lies within the defined 100-year floodplain. The petitioner seeks an exception to the yard requirements, proposing a minimum setback of 0 feet instead of the required 50 feet. This request is in direct conflict with the City of Wildwood's zoning regulations, specifically Chapter 415 concerning floodplain and non-urban residential district regulations.

The board has previously continued this case during meetings in May and June, indicating the complexity and potential community impact of the proposal. The Department of Planning will present additional evidence and recommendations during the meeting, and the board will consider public input before making a decision.

If approved, the petitioner must secure necessary permits within six months, or the variance will expire. Conversely, if the board denies the request, the petitioner retains the right to appeal the decision to the St. Louis County Circuit Court within 30 days. The meeting underscores the board's role in balancing development interests with regulatory compliance and community safety.