Board approves special exception allowing extra synthetic turf at Lighthouse Point home

The Lighthouse Point Planning & Zoning Board unanimously approved a special exception for Robert Evans's property at 3314 Northeast 27th Terrace to allow roughly 950 square feet of additional synthetic turf over the normal 25% landscaped-area limit.

Dave Dixon, the consulting city planner, told the board staff's review found unusual site conditions and noted the lot is about 44.6% pervious, "almost double the minimum required of 25%," a factor staff said supports the exception. The applicant, Robert Evans, told the board the narrow northeast and east-side strips receive little sun and that "it's impossible to grow grass over there." Evans said the turf would allow his children to use the space safely.

Board members pressed staff on whether turf counts as pervious (staff: yes, if it meets design and installation criteria) and discussed precedent and aesthetic concerns. One member noted that a ground-cover ordinance coming later on the agenda should provide clearer rules for similar requests. Susan Motley moved to approve the request; the motion passed on a unanimous roll call (Michael Cohen — Favor; Fred McLean — Favor; Susan Motley — Yes; Bill Gallo — Yes; Dennis Smith — Yes).

The chair told Evans he could proceed to the building-permit stage and that no additional board approvals were expected, with staff and the city clerk available to assist with permit processing.