Clearwater board approves variance for floating fuel dock at Beach Marina replacement project

The Building Flood Board of Adjustments and Appeals in Clearwater on March 4 approved a variance allowing a floating fueling dock and attendant structure as part of the Beach Marina Replacement Project, following presentations by city staff and the project engineer and a staff recommendation supporting the request.

The variance permits construction seaward of the mean high-water line for a new 65-slip marina replacement that will replace existing fixed timber docks with floating docks, a fueling system and a walled attendant building. Gene Henry, floodplain administrator for the city, told the board the request “was reviewed and coordinated with the State of Florida and FEMA” and that staff supports the variance as designed.

The board’s approval matters because the proposed work lies in a coastal high-hazard (V) zone and departs from local minimum standards and guidance found in the city’s Chapter 51 flood regulations, the Florida Building Code and 44 C.F.R. 60.3. The city and the project team emphasized that the design aims to meet the intent of those standards and to preserve the city’s Community Rating System (CRS) benefits for residents.

City marine officials and the engineer of record described the project and its flood protections in…