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Board approves Boca Beach Club CCCL variance for event lawn and lanai work
Summary
Planning board approved a Coastal Construction Control Line variance allowing landscaping, a new event lawn (artificial turf with pavers) and relocated pergolas at the Boca Beach Club; environmental board recommended additional material review over turf microplastic concerns but the board voted to approve the application as submitted (6–0).
The Planning & Zoning Board on Sept. 5 approved a Coastal Construction Control Line (CCCL) variance for the Boca Beach Club, allowing an event lawn framed by pavers, lanai hardscape/landscape improvements and relocation of a pergola. Staff summarized prior code enforcement actions removing unpermitted beach structures and said the applicant has coordinated with the state and the city’s sea‑turtle conservation coordinator on a beach‑storage plan for remaining equipment.
Staff and the Environmental Advisory Board noted the proposed event lawn would use artificial turf, which raises concerns about microplastics and marine impacts; EAB discussed alternatives (grass, crushed shell) but recommended pervious pavers for ADA compliance. The applicant responded that the event lawn is intended for weddings and special events and said the turf product supplied by the manufacturer does not contain certain 'forever chemicals' per the presentation. Staff recommended approval; the EAB asked for additional conditions regarding material choices and mitigation, which were not included in the motion the board adopted.
The board approved the variance as submitted (6–0), clarifying the vote related to the ordinance language on the table and not the EAB’s additional suggested amendments. Staff said the work is mostly within previously disturbed areas and that further coordination with state regulators and city environmental reviewers will continue during permitting.
What’s next: Permitting and coordination with DEP and the city’s environmental staff on any remaining beach and turtle‑protection issues before construction.
