Zoning board denies variance for Gulf‑front pool, citing dunes and precedence concerns

The Santa Rosa County Zoning Board voted to deny a variance request for a new pool at 7527 Gulf Boulevard after members expressed concerns about dune protection, drainage and setting a precedent for more Gulf‑front pools.

Staff described the proposed pool layout and the dune‑line constraints. Applicant John Call said he had spoken directly with a closest neighbor and that neighbor “was fine with it.” Applicant representative Joe Hild told the board the engineering and FEMA requirements had already been completed and that the plan had been reviewed by wetlands consultants and was ready for DEP review.

Board members disagreed on whether the structure would materially affect the shoreline or dunes. One member warned that permitting a private pool on the Gulf could create a precedence: "You're destroying the sand dunes to to install a swimming pool while you look at a perfectly good Gulf Of America to swim in." After discussion, a motion to deny carried 5–3; Rhonda Royals, Frankie Gibbs and Howard Steele were recorded as the three dissenting votes. Staff reminded the applicant that variances may be appealed to the Board of County Commissioners within 15 days.

The denial is final as a zoning board recommendation; an appeal or separate permitting processes (DEP, FEMA) remain available to the applicant.