Board approves modified dock at Pelican Reef Drive, citing prior permit and reduced footprint

The Planning & Zoning Board approved a modified dock plan for a property on Pelican Reef Drive, finding the revised design is smaller than a prior, previously approved but unbuilt plan.

Staff explained the new dock is approximately 300 square feet smaller than the 2022 approval and remains set back from the southern riparian line by 25 feet, a standard used to comply with Department of Environmental Protection guidance and local practice. The applicant’s representative said the revised design provides two slips and a gangway to a floating dock; he noted the change in location was to ensure adequate depth and to avoid sand build-up near the shoreline.

Board members asked whether docks may be approved on vacant lots and staff confirmed such accessory uses are permitted when a primary building plan is in place; members also discussed prior tree removal fines on the parcel and processes for ensuring mitigation is followed. No public opposition was presented and the board approved the modification.