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City adopts commercial beach‑access policy limiting vehicle permits and mandating Atlantic Boulevard access
Summary
The commission approved a commercial beach access and vehicle‑operations policy that establishes access control, safety standards, a two‑permit capacity cap and operational hours; staff will administer permits under the new policy and work with applicants to ensure compliance.
The City Commission approved a new commercial beach access and vehicle operations policy intended to standardize permitting and reduce conflicts between commercial beach users and recreational visitors. The policy sets access controls (mandating Atlantic Boulevard access and prohibiting use of Ahern Street), limits concurrent commercial permits in a given area to two, and requires pre‑approved vehicle types, anchored umbrellas and other safety standards.
City Manager Hogancamp told commissioners the policy was developed to ensure commercial activities do not displace non‑paying beachgoers or create safety hazards, and to provide staff a consistent framework for permit review. He said the policy is a guiding document that allows the city manager to work with applicants and to require additional checks before issuing permits.
The Dune House Hotel & Spa’s assistant general manager, Laura Conahan, clarified that the hotel’s renovation will not expand hotel guest beach access beyond the existing 193 rooms and described how chairs and umbrellas have historically been stored and handled. Commissioners approved the policy by motion.
