Flagler Beach tables vacation‑rental site plan over alley screening and access concerns

The Flagler Beach City Commission voted unanimously on June 11 to table a site‑plan application for a proposed three‑story, eight one‑bedroom vacation rental at 1708 South Ocean Shore Boulevard so staff and the applicant can resolve screening and rear‑service access issues.

City planner presentation materials described a permitted tourist‑commercial use with a proposed 34½‑foot building height, ten parking spaces including one ADA stall and parking reconfigured from the rear to the front of the lot. Commissioners and neighbors, however, raised concerns about a narrow west‑side service area and whether it must be screened from adjacent residential property and the alley. Neighbors said the alley is narrow and expressed safety worries about delivery vehicles, propane tanks and maneuvering in sand.

During public comment, adjacent property owners asked the commission to ensure any required screening preserved access for maintenance and delivery and did not force vehicles into unsafe maneuvers in the alley. Applicant Mr. Barnhill said the plan includes a concrete walkway around the building and that he moved HVAC units and trash enclosures to reduce visual impact; he told commissioners he would accept reasonable screening if an access opening remained for service vehicles.

Commissioners debated whether staff and the applicant could resolve screening details administratively or whether the project needed to return to the commission. The body chose to table the application to the July 9 meeting and directed planner and applicant to produce a revised plan addressing west‑side screening and alley access. The motion to table passed unanimously.

Next steps: staff will work with the applicant on specific screening language and layout for the west side of the property and return the revised site plan to the commission on July 9.