04-23-2015 VC WS-MMINUTES OF THE WORKSHOP SESSION
VILLAGE COUNCIL OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA
APRIL 23, 2015
Present: Robert A. Gebbia, Mayor
David B. Norris, Vice Mayor
Doug Bush, President Pro Tem
Darryl C. Aubrey, Sc.D., Councilmember
Judy M. Pierman, Councilmember
James P. Kelly, Village Manager
Len Rubin, Village Attorney
Melissa Teal, Village Clerk
ROLL CALL
Mayor Gebbia called the meeting to order at 9:33 p.m. All members of Council were present.
All members of staff were present.
FLOATING VESSEL PLATFORMS AND FLOATING BOAT LIFTS
Discussion was held concerning the adoption of regulations applicable to floating vessel platforms
and floating boat lifts.
Mr. Kelly reported that floating vessel platforms and floating boat lifts are permitted statewide
within pre - determined parameters; however, the statute does allow municipalities to require
permits to ensure compliance with the state criteria and local ordinances, codes, or regulations
relating to building or zoning which are not more stringent than the state criteria, or to address
subjects other than those addressed by the statute. Mr. Kelly noted the law specifically excludes
from the exemption a floating dock or walkway structure that creates a new slip. Mr. Kelly
stated there are no provisions in the Village Code for floating vessel platforms or floating boat lifts.
Discussion ensued as to whether there was a need to adopt additional regulations. Mr. Rubin advised
that Section 403.813, Florida Statutes, provides for only five requirements. Mr. Rubin noted one of
the subjects not addressed in the statute is how floating vessel platforms and floating boat lifts are
constructed and attached.
Concerns were expressed regarding the location of floating platforms in relation to property lines,
and ensuring that the type of attachment used would be secure in high winds.
Mr. Rubin advised that statutorily, the Village may not prohibit floating vessel platforms and
floating boat lifts; therefore, the Village may either allow them, based on the limited state criteria,
or allow them with specific regulations, such as zoning setbacks and secure mounting attachments.
Discussion ensued on making the regulations the same as those for floating docks, with the
requirement that vessels must be attached to a structure as well as to the floating platform or boat lift.
Council consensus was to consider a draft ordinance at an upcoming Workshop Session.
ADJOURNMENT
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With no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 9:52 p.m.
Melissa Teal, CMC, Village Clerk