In a recent government meeting, a proposal was presented seeking a waiver from the ZLDR code to allow for the construction of a 205-foot residential dock at 5210 and 5300 Essex Court, located along Flagler Drive. The properties, which are undergoing development into large single-family homes, currently face significant navigational challenges due to shallow water conditions in the intercoastal waterway.

The existing dock at 5300 Essex Court, which has been damaged by hurricanes, is 151 feet long but has not been re-permitted. The proposal aims to extend the dock to facilitate better access for boats, as the current bathymetric conditions make it difficult to navigate within the first 200 feet from the seawall. The area has a mean lower low water depth of only half a foot to one and a half feet, rendering it largely unnavigable for standard-sized boats.

The applicant emphasized that the proposed dock length is necessary to reach deeper waters, allowing for the mooring of boats typical for the area, which range from 24 to 35 feet in length. They noted that the request is not unprecedented, as similar dock lengths have been approved in the vicinity, with recent applications ranging from 125 to 191 feet.

Support for the proposal has been garnered from seven neighboring properties, highlighting a community consensus on the need for improved dock access. The planning staff has recommended approval, citing compliance with the city’s comprehensive plan and land development regulations, with the exception of the requested dock length.

The meeting concluded with an invitation for questions, during which the applicant reiterated the unique challenges posed by the shallow waters and sediment deposition, which have deterred other property owners from constructing docks in the area. The proposal aims to address these issues while adhering to environmental considerations, including the protection of a small patch of seagrass located near the proposed dock site.