Commission approves dune walkover for Mustang Island phase after staff says plan is consistent with prior permits

The Beach Dune Committee approved case BD8951, a beachfront construction certificate request from Mustang Island LLC for a dune walkover serving a future cul‑de‑sac adjacent to residential units on State Highway 361.

Andrew said the application had previously received a dune protection permit from the county’s Beach Access Management Committee and that staff recommended approval; he reported that 42 notices were mailed and that staff received no written responses in favor or opposition. Commissioners asked for a refresher on prior approvals and staff explained the development’s phasing: the site is part of a larger, previously platted development (a PUD) and individual BCCs will be processed for each phase as final plats and PI plans are submitted.

On design specifics, commissioners asked whether the dune walkover would be wide enough for golf carts. Staff said the most recent plan set indicated roughly an 8‑foot width and that the GLO’s review may require the walkover to meander to avoid critical dune features, varying width at pinch points and widenings to allow two carts to pass where necessary. The committee’s role, staff emphasized, is to determine whether the proposed access impedes public access or negatively impacts dunes, with technical mitigation and detailed plan-set design addressed through GLO review and final plan sets.

With no public speakers during the item’s hearing, a commissioner moved, seconded and the committee voted to approve BD8951 as presented by staff.

The decision preserves the development’s phased approach and keeps the approved PI plans linked to the plat so long as the plat remains active; final construction will proceed in line with GLO and municipal code conditions.