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Town attorney: condo dock was built in Lantana waters; removal ordered or litigation possible
Summary
Town officials presented a newly certified boundary map and said a dock built at 3555 South Ocean Boulevard (South Palm Beach) was permitted in error, that the permit was revoked on Dec. 5, 2025, and that the town issued a removal letter requiring removal by April 6 or possible court action.
Town staff and the town attorney told the council they have new, certified GIS maps that clarify the town's jurisdictional waters and have prompted a dispute over a dock constructed off South Ocean Boulevard in South Palm Beach.
Town Manager Raducci showed the boundary maps prepared by engineering firm Calvin Giordano and said the new mapping made clear the municipal waters extend to the area where a dock was recently built. Town Attorney Max Lohman told the council the permit had been incorrectly issued and later revoked and that the condominium at 3555 South Ocean Boulevard was notified on Dec. 5, 2025.
"Once we found out about it ... the permit was promptly revoked," Lohman said, saying the town had served a removal and preservation letter and set a compliance deadline. "I told them they have to remove the dock by April 6. If not, well, we'll find out." He said the town preserved records and warned the contractor and property owner of potential enforcement and licensing consequences.
Lohman described legal and zoning obstacles he said meant the other municipality lacked authority to issue the permit and explained options the council may consider, including seeking removal through litigation or negotiating an interlocal agreement that would change permitting authority. He emphasized the council could pursue civil penalties against the contractor for continuing construction after the permit was revoked.
Town Manager Raducci said the survey work and corrected maps gave the town a clear process to follow going forward and noted other municipalities are conducting similar surveys to resolve ambiguous boundaries. He urged the council to consider options but said he and staff would pursue discussions with South Palm Beach before returning with a recommendation.
No formal enforcement vote was taken at the meeting; the town attorney said further council direction may be requested if removal is not completed by the deadline.
