Board allows 2.5‑foot extension of dock at 2050 Boca Ciega Drive after dredging options closed; requires light at dock end
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Summary
The Board of Adjustment approved a variance to extend an existing nonconforming dock at 2050 Boca Ciega Drive where dredging to deepen the channel was not feasible. Staff asked that dredging documentation be entered into the record; the board added a condition that lighting or reflectors be placed at the dock end.
The Board of Adjustment approved a request to extend the lower landing of an existing dock at 2050 Boca Ciega Drive, allowing a 2–2.5 foot extension that increases the overall length to approximately 106 feet where 37.9 feet is permitted. Staff explained the application seeks relief from land development code section 6.23(d)(3) for a nonconforming dock and requested additional testimony about a previously submitted dredging permit.
Applicant Micah Thompson of Gulf and Bay Dock Works and representative Shannon Lemus testified the homeowners pursued dredging but were discouraged by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) because of seagrass and shallow conditions; applicants said dredging was not a viable option. Thompson said the new owners discovered they could not use the existing boat lift at ordinary low tide after closing, and the extension would provide additional depth without dredging. "They quickly realized after closing, they could not get their boat on the lift," Thompson said. Shannon Lemus said the dredging effort involved multiple reports and specialists and concluded "dredging was just not possible at this property." She added the requested 2.5‑foot lower landing extension would reach roughly four feet of depth at mean low tide, which the applicants said is the minimum necessary for the lift and the owners' boat.
Board members asked whether the extension would encroach on navigation or a channel; applicants said it would not block the shallower nearshore area used for low‑speed access and noted boats typically travel out to a deeper area beyond the seagrass. The board also discussed visibility and safety; the applicant agreed to add a light or reflectors at the dock end, and the board made that a condition of approval.
A motion to approve the variance (case 25125) with the lighting requirement carried; the record shows Member Causey, Member Kore, Member Small and Vice Chair Garsha voted yes.