Zoning board approves 3-foot dock extension at Island Club condominium

The Pompano Beach Zoning Board of Appeals on April 17 granted a variance to allow a dock to extend 11 feet into the C-414 canal at the Island Club condominium, exceeding the code’s 8-foot maximum.

The variance was requested by the property owner to replace an existing dock within its historic footprint that, staff said, could not function for boat mooring if limited to the current 8-foot rule. Scott Riali, Development Services staff, told the board the application seeks relief from section 151.03(G)(S)(1) of the Pompano Beach Code of Ordinances and noted the project has approvals from Broward County Environmental Permitting and the South Florida Water Management District.

Rafael Rufeau, the property owner and applicant, said the dock has been in the same footprint for roughly 20 to 25 years and that delays in permitting had stretched the replacement process to about two years. “We got all the approvals… then it got bounced back to Pompano Beach again, for the final approval. Then they said you gotta get a variance,” Rufeau said. Chief Engineering Inspector David McGirr told the board the city had “no objections.”

The board discussed the dock’s age and existing conditions before moving to approve the variance. The board’s motion found there was competent, substantial evidence in the record that the variance review standards were satisfied. The board included standard conditions that the applicant obtain all necessary governmental permits and that construction substantially comply with the submitted plans.

The decision allows the dock replacement to proceed provided the applicant secures required permits and adheres to the plans submitted with the application.

Votes at the meeting followed a roll call; all board members present voted in favor.