Planning Board approves special exception for 20,000‑pound boat lift at Regency Highland

The Town of Highland Beach Planning Board voted Dec. 11 to approve a special exception for a 20,000‑pound boat lift at Slip Number 1 for the Regency Highland condominium at 3912 South Ocean Boulevard, Unit 1415.

Town planner Ingrid Allen told the board staff reviewed the application and ‘‘finds that it is consistent with the special exception provisions in section 30‑36 of the town code where applicable and consistent with the town comprehensive plan and the town code.’’ Allen said the applicant had obtained approvals from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and provided an HOA approval letter.

Planner Allen described a minor plan discrepancy on the lift width: state/federal permit materials showed a 15‑foot width while the plan submitted to the town showed 14 feet; Allen said the applicant provided email confirmation from the external agencies that the discrepancy did not affect their authorizations and that the town would rely on the submitted local plan for permitting.

Authorized agent William Thomas of Unlimited Perma Services Inc. explained that a safety reduction commonly used in the industry reduces the practical lift capacity below the rated 20,000 pounds (agent noted roughly 16,000 pounds after standard factors). Allen noted flood‑height limits in the code: the town’s base flood elevation for the property is 7 feet and the code allows structures up to that elevation plus 8 feet (a 15‑foot maximum); she said the lift as shown is within that limit.

No members of the public spoke during the hearing. After discussion, a board member moved to approve the special exception; following a roll‑call, Chairperson Mendelson and Members David, Bobby, Brown, Powell and Axelrod voted in favor and the motion carried.

The approval allows the applicant to apply for a building permit; construction must be initiated within two years of planning‑board approval, per board staff guidance.

Clarifying details: planner Allen referenced the plan set date‑stamped 11/20/2025 and cited section 30‑36 of the town code and the town comprehensive plan as the controlling local authorities. The staff presentation noted both a plan sheet that listed a ‘‘top of the lift’’ measurement as 7 feet 6 inches and a later notation of 11.6 feet; staff said the proposed configuration remains under the code maximum (15 feet) and that the applicant must secure local building permits consistent with the approved plan.

The planning board’s approval is final for the special‑exception decision; permit issuance and construction remain subject to building‑department review and any state or federal permit conditions.