Board approves 6‑unit resort‑attached dwellings at 693–699 Bay Esplanade with pool setback relief

The Community Development Board approved flexible‑development plans on Jan. 21 for a six‑unit resort‑attached dwelling at 693 and 699 Bay Esplanade that will retain an existing pool and deck that encroach into required setbacks.

City planning staff told the board the applicant corrected a prior noticing error that had required returning the case to the board. Planning staff said the building will be at or below the 35‑foot height limit, will provide 12 parking spaces where 9 are required and will meet the Old Florida character district and Beach by Design design guidelines, except for the requested flexibility to retain the existing pool and deck.

Melissa Hough Baker, planning staff, described the application and the reason for the rehearing: “The project is returning to the board due to, there was a an error found in the noticing from last month at the December meeting, and that is why it's coming back to you today.” She said the proposal would construct a single attached building with six rentable units, not the nine units permitted under maximum density, and that the applicant agreed to reduce balcony overhangs after prior board comment.

The applicant's engineer told the board the only outstanding request was to retain the existing pool. “The only item is for the pool to remain as it exists,” said Bush Kobay, Northside Engineering. He also noted engineering requirements the project will meet, including top‑of‑seawall elevation requirements.

One neighbor, Christine Michaelek of South Beach, spoke in opposition, arguing the board should reconsider beach development rules given storm impacts and infrastructure strain. “We need to stop developing properties on the beach,” Michaelek said, citing recent hurricanes and concerns about safety and infrastructure.

Board members acknowledged public comments but said the board must apply the code as it stands. After discussion, a board member moved to approve the application based on the evidence in the record, the staff report and testimony at the hearing, adopting the staff findings with the listed conditions. The motion passed on a voice vote with all members in favor.

The approval includes the requested flexibility for setbacks to retain the pool and the conditions recorded in the staff report, including the reduced balcony overhang and additional landscaping staff recommended.

Votes at a glance

- Case FLD‑2024‑09021 (693 and 699 Bay Esplanade): Motion to approve as recommended in staff report with conditions — approved (voice vote, all in favor).

Next steps for the project include final permitting and compliance with the conditions of approval recorded in the staff report; the record shows the project will go forward subject to those conditions.

Sources: Planning and development presentation, applicant testimony, public comment and board vote recorded Jan. 21, 2025.