Highland Beach approves Seagate fire‑pump structure to meet updated safety requirements

The Town of Highland Beach on April 7 approved a major modification to allow construction of a 472‑square‑foot fire‑pump structure at Seagate Condominiums, 3224 South Ocean Boulevard, to replace aging and failed rooftop pumps and bring the complex closer to current fire‑safety standards.

Town Planner Ingrid Allen told commissioners the building would house two new pumps that will serve four residential buildings and the fire‑hose connections at the seawall and dock area. Allen noted the applicant received variances from the Board of Adjustment and Appeals (reduced front setback to 8 ft 7 in and a reduced south side setback) and that staff finds the application consistent with the zoning code and the town comprehensive plan.

Representative of Seagate described why the work is necessary. Anthony Santella, president of Seagate of Highland, summarized the scope: “This is not what this, you know, what we're doing here is replacing all the underground piping that supplies water to the buildings from the pumps. … Everything underground.” He said the previous pumps had failed and that replacing them requires larger pumps, associated controllers and new underground piping.

Commissioners asked the fire and applicant teams technical questions about backflow preventers, pump taps and lead times. The project packet included a letter from Assistant Fire Chief Matt Wellhave noting current in‑building pump rooms do not meet then‑current National Fire Protection Agency code requirements (as described in the staff packet), including larger flow‑rate and clearance standards.

With no public comment, the Commission moved to a recorded vote. A motion to approve development order application PZ 26‑1 passed unanimously: Commissioners Goldberg, Peters, Janofsky, Vice Mayor Stern and Mayor Moore voted yes. The motion did not specify a named mover or seconder in the transcript.

Applicant representatives and staff outlined a tentative schedule: site work and concrete pads could begin as early as late May or early June if permits are approved, equipment deliveries could follow in roughly six months, and full operation is expected by about June 2027, subject to building‑department permits and inspections.

Next steps: if the Commission’s approval is acted on, the applicant must obtain building permits and commence construction within two years, per the town’s major‑modification rules for multi‑family developments. The record included planning‑board approval (7–0) and documentation of the October 23, 2025 Board of Adjustment and Appeals variances.

Authorities and references cited in the discussion included town Code section 30‑39 (major modification definition) and the National Fire Protection Agency Code referenced in staff materials.