Planning board approves small dock, Pelican Reef retaining wall and multiple tree removals with conditions

The City of St. Augustine Planning and Zoning Board on July 1 approved a set of shoreline and conservation-overlay projects including a private dock at 22 North St. Augustine Boulevard and several requests in the Pelican Reef neighborhood that involve tree removals and a retaining wall. Board members approved each item after staff presentations and brief discussion, and in several cases added conditions requiring a final landscape plan or drainage adjustments.

Why it matters: The actions affect conserved shoreline and Pelican Reef’s conservation-overlay zones, including the city’s cedar-tree preservation requirements for that neighborhood. Approvals included conditions intended to preserve or replace cedars and to ensure drainage work meets floodplain requirements.

Most important approvals and conditions

- Dock at 22 North St. Augustine Boulevard (PCB2025-0041): The board approved construction of a 114-foot dock and a boat sling lift in conservation overlay Zones 1 and 2. Staff said permits from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had been obtained; the applicant described a 14-by-16 terminal platform and a 12-by-24 lift. Board members found the proposal met the city’s conservation criteria and voted yes on the motion (motion by Charles Pappas; second by an unnamed board member). Roll call: Charles Pappas, Matthew Schafer, Susan Johns, Lynn Ashley Barnes,…