[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6282852,"mediaKeyId","2591987-f0338438318a75808938b8268b46b1d7","parentId",2591987,"title","Votes at a glance: Planning and zoning board actions on calendar, ordinance presentation, ADU recommendation and adjournment","audioSeconds",1593,"startMs",403000,"endMs",1996000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2591987-f0338438318a75808938b8268b46b1d7&start=403&end=1996","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2591987-f0338438318a75808938b8268b46b1d7/thumbnail_403000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6282852/Melbourne-Beach/Brevard-County/Florida/Votes-at-a-glance-Planning-and-zoning-board-actions-on-calendar-ordinance-presentation-ADU-recommendation-and-adjournment","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6282852-5075d461585172cf03e3523ebbfdad89/orig.mp4?Expires=1771189523&Signature=RC-Q6SqrnNkya~YMn4M0GWy9TK1YaC-5lK3yqoYel3gEOpIRDW6xWb5jhb28VKBwayHNrBRRp0RO2KY~mNXvsXyLHcWpeRhlIzX1OS-gtL0gsxQ~chHHr5~lbAmocKB6jGDxVTmT7c4M2i-Xiu3OLaeQTlkulavXThr5xUcnHyFHjwetgtblXTbPryo~VutHnrq2qV-flNAqxc~UvOlTl16Dos0RPq423gdhK4tFTGcpD0UqMbm6h7HZQwgkboQWLcM2sOskRrVkOJParfOW-ydxv1qtNhBNwCkdbi1oaPHq5O8~qI63RUyH6phwUyXWeWt-ngfSD7BoqtKp5MGowQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town of Melbourne Beach, FL ","date","2025-02-18T00:00:00Z","article","Summary of formal actions recorded during the Melbourne Beach Planning and Zoning Board meeting on Feb. 4, 2025.

1) Calendar: The board voted to adjust meeting dates where needed for months with elections and holidays; the board approved the amended calendar by voice vote.

2) Building-height presentation: The board approved forwarding the draft building-height measurement language to the town commission for first reading next month, and amended the motion to direct the building official to confirm that the town’s definition of “building height” harmonizes with the new measuring language.

3) Accessory dwelling units (ADUs): The board moved and seconded a recommendation that the commission consider an ordinance limiting interior ADUs to 300 square feet, with an explicit exemption for open-air structures (such as gazebos or open outdoor kitchens). The board instructed staff to draft language and consult the town attorney.

4) Adjournment: The board approved the motion to adjourn.

Notes on votes: The transcript records motions, seconds and voice approvals for these items but does not include a roll-call tally with named votes for each member. Where a formal recorded roll call was not provided in the transcript, the board’s approval is reported as an outcome of the voice vote.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Town of Melbourne Beach Regular Town Commission Meeting Feb 18, 2025 ","oneSentenceSummary","The board approved calendar adjustments, forwarded the building-height presentation (with a staff harmonization direction), recommended a 300-square-foot cap on ADUs for commission consideration, and approved adjournment.","taxTitle","Melbourne Beach, Brevard County, Florida","taxId",52044,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6282857,"Staff reports: vacation-rental tracking approved by commission; building-fee schedule under review",311,2338000,2649000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2591987-f0338438318a75808938b8268b46b1d7&start=2338&end=2649","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2591987-f0338438318a75808938b8268b46b1d7/thumbnail_2338000.jpg","/articles/6282857/Melbourne-Beach/Brevard-County/Florida/Staff-reports-vacation-rental-tracking-approved-by-commission-building-fee-schedule-under-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6282857-287ef6d950fdb58ab49a413d32fffa73/orig.mp4?Expires=1771189523&Signature=HwzGdHlUexibuj5Qs~AlSPCxuC8vtXAD9J1YuMr5~UXBxuTmu0OvJqYCXChz2WeQmJCSL80ZVNJ5YDDbCFohuf5ehurW8npeu7p~Q52Tv1klpxgliL4UlhZ4gNghfSceMNJEssGkbJtU2m3TrDKOcKDknKzNBM4DY6bxBwgU7ldT1xG7x0uvgUMUzS9Ne60fkJ9QeecWozVz4~1RQ5UPj-1d05j~1FCxKbwOjy9tsGD~YdFhu56DiO4DcZ70F5hxEqY15g1So1QGA09Kd8CqneCHGP9ZQBsedTkzLSdWN0YMVD3P5GWJ8EmE7Vp1kktiENwe6s5FpKCtBLSrN~CuMQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","During public comment the board heard an update that the town commission had approved purchasing software to help the town track and regulate vacation rentals. The speaker said the software would require certification for hosts, provide an 800-number for complaints and help the town limit unregulated short-term rentals.

Separately, the building official discussed the town’s permit-fee schedule and suggested the town consider a flat-fee approach or caps for routine mechanical replacements such as air-conditioning units. The building official said the current fee schedule is a percentage of project cost and can produce very different permit fees for owners who purchase higher- or lower-cost equipment despite similar inspection workloads.

Key details:
- Vacation-rental software: Commission-approved; it will track rentals, require town certification for hosts to advertise on listing platforms and provide a complaint line for enforcement.
- Permit-fee discussion: Staff noted surrounding municipalities use flat fees for many routine permits; board members asked staff to research whether a cap or flat fee for AC replacements and similar work would be appropriate to reduce fee variance on comparable inspections.

No final policy or fee schedule changes were adopted at this meeting; staff said they would research options and report back to the board.","During public comments and later discussion, staff said the commission approved software to track vacation rentals and the building official raised the idea of moving some permit fees to a flat-fee schedule for routine mechanical replacements.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6282861,"Planning board and environmental board to coordinate on proposed landscape/tree-code revisions",322,2029000,2351000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2591987-f0338438318a75808938b8268b46b1d7&start=2029&end=2351","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2591987-f0338438318a75808938b8268b46b1d7/thumbnail_2029000.jpg","/articles/6282861/Melbourne-Beach/Brevard-County/Florida/Planning-board-and-environmental-board-to-coordinate-on-proposed-landscapetree-code-revisions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6282861-4ba039c9f2944fe4b82a585e741ada2a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771189524&Signature=SjkaOMn3lz-tH5csyAMcQBqI-SasY8Ea0QEmEDSYXU896LnjTHt6cyUhoske0FvpM4TuOWZAifI6NqTOQ37iDkHt5hZJ1HajeJsT3RGMaP9juu5vE9crHg94Zat9sBxaHQUEY1P~8ldmP5BWbZpKlvxp8Y-JcL3sEguyzd82E~TqFikBZR23ZP5~jmqVs5cbf-9Lm6I33JLch6KuSbuVwanQxpCuTCKG0HhyfOqUoMlRSWBmXj27ZlGgAQlhSt4L-lo4EccI0ifH8AMFQIXaIovZFSF3x0L0eZDbLK3ugmcSvk2LUt3~CKE~kX87b4skZQ89SXWoYpJX7mVyFFapEQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The board discussed code revisions related to tree protection, replacement standards and landscaping materials. The Planning and Zoning Board will coordinate with the Environmental Advisory Board (EAB) and selected a board member to represent the planning board at the commission presentation.

Board members said EAB may propose more prescriptive standards — for example distinguishing Florida native plants from other species and using girth/total tree size rather than a simple tree-count metric. Members raised enforcement concerns, noting that strict planting requirements are difficult to verify and maintain over time.

Key points:
- The boards will each present their recommendations to the commission; the planning board chose a spokesperson and asked to see the EAB’s presentation in advance so they could coordinate positions.
- Possible EAB proposals include higher percentages of Florida-native plantings and different replacement metrics (girth vs. tree count). Planning board members worried about enforcement when plantings fail or homeowners remove required plantings.
- The EAB meeting was scheduled in the Town Hall Training Room; the planning board encouraged members to attend or review minutes so both boards can present differing recommendations at the commission.

Next steps: The planning board will send a spokesperson to present to the commission and requested the EAB’s materials ahead of the joint presentation so the planning board can prepare a packet for the commission.","The planning board discussed proposed revisions to landscape/tree protections and asked for a spokesperson to present its recommendations to the commission; members noted enforcement challenges and differences with the Environmental Advisory Board.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6282866,"Planning board seeks local limits as state ADU statute moves through Legislature",793,1287000,2080000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2591987-f0338438318a75808938b8268b46b1d7&start=1287&end=2080","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2591987-f0338438318a75808938b8268b46b1d7/thumbnail_1287000.jpg","/articles/6282866/Melbourne-Beach/Brevard-County/Florida/Planning-board-seeks-local-limits-as-state-ADU-statute-moves-through-Legislature","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6282866-bf5d6465325b5fd4ddde12170e79d50b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771189523&Signature=FI5U5PFzzvExqjXHOLSwhXDBcNPt8RA3FPQySa9xQg1CTw3fNIFy0ri0CxIxOfwWGixbra8u6zVs4d0bnVHXnDle0TU1dRPHCFMwJpPq3bMi6A9GVmEDDdej74bzlu3w9jcTLHqy~JA95fQtWI11HzukfbzqQNh-qLvKVni8U5XqyfsvQ6AbWdPB4bkhFeqef3EeDAtNgpIJi5-JCqy-hOtvHpw6Tl18pCGg9ZyRQx19MjcgfPHwfMaT2ZaGJe-AQhqBAS04xrt-6j7Utlx3KX74Enkgwy51A56QWX0~v1ckVJOe8G6-9gzHbxnjTYifeZhbJ5KFV5SD81uDGGCDxA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Members of the Melbourne Beach Planning and Zoning Board discussed a recently circulated state statute number (163.31771) that would require local governments to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in single-family zones without increasing parking requirements.

Board members expressed concern that, if the state statute passes as written, local control could be reduced and ADUs could be used as short-term rentals rather than family housing. To create a local “stopgap,” the board voted to prepare an ordinance that would allow accessory structures but limit interior ADUs to 300 square feet and exempt open-air structures (for example, gazebos or open-sided outdoor kitchens) from that cap.

Why it matters: ADUs can be used to house relatives or provide rental income, but in Melbourne Beach board members said small coastal lots and the town’s housing and parking patterns create a risk that unrestricted ADUs would be converted to short-term rentals. The state language discussed would prevent requiring extra parking, a tool some municipalities use to limit ADU conversions.

Key points from the discussion:
- The board clarified the distinction between “accessory structures” (sheds, open-air gazebos) and “accessory dwelling units” (structures with a second kitchen and independent living space). Current local code allows accessory structures but does not explicitly allow detached ADUs in single-family districts.
- Several members argued for putting a measurable local limit in place now (the board coalesced around 300 square feet as a recommended limit) and directing staff and the town attorney to draft an ordinance to present to the town commission quickly.
- The board discussed enforcement concerns, including how parking controls and minimum-size rules are commonly used by municipalities to limit conversions; members noted enforcement capacity is a practical constraint.

Board action: The board moved and seconded a recommendation that the commission consider adopting a local ordinance limiting interior accessory dwelling units to 300 square feet, excluding open-air structures from that cap. The board instructed staff to draft language and forward it to the commission for consideration.

What happens next: Staff will draft the ordinance language and coordinate with the town attorney. The board and staff said they may revisit square-foot thresholds (300 vs. 400 was debated) as the state statute proceeds through the legislative process.","Board discussed Florida statute 163.31771 and directed staff to draft a local ordinance capping accessory dwelling units at 300 square feet (open-air exceptions) as a temporary protective measure to present to the commission.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6282871,"Planning board reviews proposed rule to clarify how building height is measured",872,430000,1302000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2591987-f0338438318a75808938b8268b46b1d7&start=430&end=1302","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2591987-f0338438318a75808938b8268b46b1d7/thumbnail_430000.jpg","/articles/6282871/Melbourne-Beach/Brevard-County/Florida/Planning-board-reviews-proposed-rule-to-clarify-how-building-height-is-measured","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6282871-0c03ff32293c4d5c69805eae5cf266b5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771189523&Signature=AAhK11Q6rtFAEuxkoqsPj5PEZOqiXW10N1MIl0HwUVRNkagtuQpbtCIN5iVhJTduZELf~YKiw3xc~FkOLCpfSBLCOFconEt4~3CjE0Df9gU2JDXZh-bjtwwLgkaqfWj8SHfEDeXPRI1ntmcnPp697rubxcww-kSr5UBL2yEYj2-0jRnZc-97j96uGApMGvYQqStjdsEU45p2GtiaJ0uFPUFwKMSdICu4TP819eI3F~HMw384O2bzzvAk6dfM~rb~G8lLn03Jp-whTmuqYofyJzldJ-WGMByj6dytxIDp1fxzvbumdC7vFw16DyxLuhmMtEa2BdzTv0tgnxDpVMU2jA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Melbourne Beach Planning and Zoning Board reviewed a draft ordinance amendment Tuesday to clarify how building height is measured and capped on lots with elevated finished floors or stem-wall foundations.

Board members and staff discussed where the “measurement point” would be taken, how the proposal treats existing finished-floor elevations and how a stem wall can affect the overall allowed structure height. The board agreed the draft should go to the town commission for first reading next month; members also asked staff to check the town’s existing building-height definition for consistency with the new language.

Why it matters: The proposed text aims to remove ambiguity that, in several recent cases, allowed finished-floor elevations and certain foundation choices to effectively raise the permitted roof height above what neighbors expected. Several speakers said the amendment would cap how much additional height builders can gain by adding stem-wall fill or other foundation methods.

Key details from the board’s discussion:
- The draft uses the road crown and short vertical measurements as the reference for elevations: the “measurement point” is taken 18 inches above the crown of the road for specified ranges, and the ordinance would treat elevations above 36 inches differently so a single, clear cap applies.
- The draft ties the 28-foot measurement to the current finished-floor elevation in most cases; that is, the proposed 28-foot limit is measured from a building’s established finished floor rather than allowing additional fill or a stem wall to be used to increase permissible height.
- Board members sought clearer cross-referencing with the town’s definition of building height so architects and engineers can apply a single method when preparing plans.

Board action and next steps: The board saw the draft as an informational item this month and scheduled the ordinance for first reading at the commission next month. Board members amended their approval of the presentation to direct the building official to confirm that the town’s “building height” definition is harmonized with the new measuring language before the ordinance returns for vote.

What the board did not do: The board did not adopt the ordinance at this meeting; a formal vote by the commission will be required on first reading and again for final adoption.

The board’s recommendation and the staff follow-up are expected to be placed on next month’s agenda for formal vote by the Planning and Zoning Board and for the commission’s first reading.","Melbourne Beach planning and zoning board discussed a proposed amendment clarifying measurement points for building height, addressing stem-wall construction and existing finished-floor elevations; the board scheduled a formal first reading next month and asked staff to check cross-references in definitions.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Planning and zoning board actions on calendar, ordinance presentation, ADU recommendation and adjournment

Staff reports: vacation-rental tracking approved by commission; building-fee schedule under review

Planning board and environmental board to coordinate on proposed landscape/tree-code revisions

Planning board seeks local limits as state ADU statute moves through Legislature

Planning board reviews proposed rule to clarify how building height is measured