Belleair Beach adopts ordinance allowing limited elevation variances to meet floodplain and building code

The council voted unanimously to adopt Ordinance 2026‑10 on second reading, changing the land‑development code to allow variance requests related to height when necessary for compliance with floodplain management or the Florida Building Code.

City Attorney Tom Trask read the ordinance by title and explained that the amendment removes a prior absolute prohibition on height variances and instead permits an applicant to seek a variance if the floodplain manager or designee determines it is necessary to meet floodplain or building‑code requirements. "It just takes it from a can't have it to at least having the legal ability to request it," Trask explained.

There were no public comments on the ordinance at the meeting. The clerk called the roll and the ordinance passed by unanimous roll‑call vote; the change will allow property owners who must elevate structures for floodplain compliance to apply for a variance rather than being categorically precluded from relief.

Sources: Reading and council adoption of Ordinance 2026‑10 (SEG 2302–2410).