Boca Raton planning board backs deck variance for Aegean condominium, 5-0

The Boca Raton Planning & Zoning Board voted 5-0 on Feb. 6 to recommend that City Council approve a coastal construction control line (CCCL) variance for the Aegean condominium at 2150 North Ocean Boulevard to allow construction of a raised wooden deck and accompanying staircase seaward of the CCCL.

Joshua Bottom, senior environmental officer with Development Services, told the board the approximately 1.12-acre property is east of North Ocean Boulevard, north of the Boca Inlet and zoned multifamily residential. Bottom said the applicant seeks a variance from section 28-15-56-3 of the city code to install a new raised deck and staircase connecting an existing east deck to a small open area on the building’s south side. “The proposed hardscape improvements are not detrimental to the public welfare,” Bottom said, and staff recommended approval.

Bottom described the structure as a raised wooden deck on posts with minimally invasive piling excavation and said the owners do not plan to install exterior lighting, a measure staff said would minimize potential impacts to nesting sea turtles. He also said the owners intend to create a butterfly garden in the future near the new access point.

The presentation included measurements that were reported inconsistently in the record: Bottom referred to an "18 square foot" raised deck but later described dimensions of roughly 9 by 9 feet with a 12-foot staircase and a 3-foot-wide platform. The transcript contains both descriptions; the board record did not resolve the discrepancy.

The Environmental Advisory Board reviewed the application in January 2025, posed questions about deck construction and landscaping, and voted 3-0 to recommend approval; one advisory-board member suggested residents be advised the deck will not be lit after dusk.

Petitioner Jeffrey Pasillas of Phase 4 Construction identified himself, provided an address for the record and said he had no additional information to add. After closing the public hearing, a motion to approve was made and seconded; Jamie called the roll and the vote passed 5 to 0. The board recorded affirmative votes in roll call for Mister Salon, Mister Dornblazer, Miss McDermott, Miss Ritchie and Chair Seville.

The board had no additional business; there were no public requests or director reports, and Chair Seville adjourned the meeting at 6:08 p.m. The city council will now consider the board’s recommendation; no City Council hearing date was specified in the record.