Planning board approves variance after surveyor error; neighbors signed off

The City of Marco Island Planning Board voted unanimously to approve a variance after hearing that a surveyor error had misplaced a property line.

An applicant and other speakers told the board that a contractor’s seawall and a subsequent survey produced an incorrect property line, prompting a request for relief. The applicant said the neighbors had signed off and that the issue arose when the surveyor “put it in the wrong spot.” A board member who reviewed the matter said such surveyor mistakes happen and supported approval to avoid penalizing the homeowner for the error.

Board members discussed the need to avoid rubber-stamping but concluded this case presented special circumstances. Member Feininger moved to approve the item; the motion was seconded and carried on a unanimous roll call.