Planning board approves Pelican Reef bulkhead and a Seminole Drive dock; licensing and permits remain prerequisites

The Planning & Zoning Board approved two coastal infrastructure requests Monday: a bulkhead for a lot in Pelican Reef and an observation dock with a kayak launch at Seminole Drive.

For Pelican Reef Drive, the applicant presented plans for a landward‑of‑riprap retaining wall that would tie into an approved adjacent bulkhead. Consultants showed cross sections indicating the proposed top‑of‑wall elevations (around elevation 7) and described erosion‑control measures, silt fencing and alignment landward of existing riprap. Staff and the applicant confirmed previous approvals on nearby lots and that the developer had corresponded with the original Pelican Reef developer to ensure no title conflicts; the board voted to approve the bulkhead subject to compliance with conservation overlay requirements and engineering conditions in the staff report.

At Seminole Drive the applicant sought approval for an observation pier (approximately 217 ft) with a 10×20 terminal platform and kayak step launch at 28–30 Seminole Drive. The dock design mirrors a 2015 DEP permit that was never built; the applicant said DEP renewal is in process and that the City Commission must grant a license agreement for the portion of the dock extending over a platted right‑of‑way. Board members noted nearby docks and that the structure would be used for non‑motorized craft and observation; the board approved the application on the condition that the City Commission first issue the required license agreement and that all state (DEP) and federal permits are secured.

Both approvals include standard conditions requiring permit compliance and as‑built certification as appropriate.