Port St. Joe planning board approves private pier at 282 Dockside Drive

PORT ST. JOE, Fla. — The Port St. Joe Planning and Development Review Board on April 7 approved a special-exception request to construct a private pier at 282 Dockside Drive after the applicant described the pier’s size, lease conditions and permitting status.

The applicant’s representative, Charles Asovic, told the board the project calls for a '300T' pier that would be 4 feet wide with a 10-by-20-foot dock at the end. "We are requesting a special exception to install a 300T pier out into the water," Asovic said. He also said the project has received FD approval.

The request drew questions about placement and public access. A board member asked how close the pier would run to rocks by the marina; Asovic said the pier would start near the rocks and "bear away," estimating the furthest point to be about 100 feet. The applicant said the pier would not interfere with the city park and would not be open to the public because the applicant’s lease with St. Joe Company prohibits public access.

Board members and staff also discussed permitting. A staff member confirmed that permitting referenced in the hearing (noted in the record as "DP") has been issued or is in process; the applicant and staff did not provide additional permit documents during the meeting.

A board member moved to approve the special-exception request and another seconded. The chair recorded an abstention; the motion carried by voice vote and the board approved the pier request. The board then moved to adjourn.

The record does not include a roll-call tally assigning yes/no votes to individual board members, and the meeting transcript does not define the abbreviation "DP." The applicant identified himself as representing Marina Cottages and stated the project is covered by an existing development order and a lease with St. Joe Company.