In a recent government meeting, the Planning and Land Development Regulation Commission (PLDRC) discussed a variance request from a property owner seeking to construct a new dock and boat lift on Lake Barton. The applicant is requesting to reduce the required setbacks from 15 feet to 8 feet on the west lot line and to 7 feet on the east lot line. This request follows a previous hearing in April 2022, where the case was continued to address concerns from a neighboring property owner.

The applicant's original dock, measuring 200 square feet, was destroyed by Hurricane Ian in 2022. The new proposal includes a 96 square foot dock and a 154 square foot boat lift. Staff recommendations for the case indicated denial, citing that the variances did not meet three of the five necessary criteria, including the assertion that the literal interpretation of the zoning code would not prevent dock construction.

During the meeting, the applicant argued that the proposed dock design is minimal and would not obstruct the neighboring property owner's access to their dock. The applicant's representative emphasized that the dock's design has been adjusted to minimize impact, stating that the previous dock's configuration made it difficult to secure a boat. The applicant also noted that the neighboring property owner had not engaged in discussions since the last proposal.

Despite the applicant's arguments, the PLDRC expressed concerns regarding the impact on the neighboring property and the need for further alignment with property lines. The meeting highlighted the ongoing tension between property rights and community considerations, as the applicant seeks to utilize their waterfront property while addressing the concerns of adjacent landowners. The case remains under review, with further deliberations expected in the coming weeks.