Commission approves conditional use for 3‑story home on Surfside Drive despite dune/erosion concerns

Staff presented a conditional‑use site plan to allow a three‑story, 5‑bedroom single‑family home at 1840 Surfside Drive that exceeds the standard 28‑ft height limit under a conditional use (authorizing up to 35 ft above FEMA base flood elevation). Planning staff noted prior, similar conditional approvals in the South Beach Overlay District and recommended approval.

Commission discussion focused on coastal erosion risk and dune protection. One commissioner urged that dune crossovers be constructed and oriented to avoid accelerative erosion and to prevent undermining neighboring dunes; staff and applicant representatives said DEP review and pile foundations will address scour and stability and that DEP rules limit dune disturbance. The applicant's architect said DEP requires scour and erosion analyses and that foundations follow DEP guidance.

After questions and conditions related to permitting and dune protection, the commission voted to approve the conditional use and new construction.