Assistant County Administrator Ronald Pianta and Zoning Supervisor Christopher Linsbeck presented an amendment to the Marine Construction Code Ordinance on February 9, 2016. According to Mr. Pianta, the current ordinance is outdated and overly restrictive. The proposed ordinance will allow an increase in dock length from 22 feet to 40 feet, measured up to 25% of the width of the waterway.
In the past five years, Mr. Linsbeck stated there have been approximately 14 requests for variances for dock lengths in canals; the proposed code could have eliminated 11 of them. Commissioner Nicholson stated Mr. Linsbeck has the authority to approve some variances, which has streamlined the process.
Gladys Moore, president of Property Owners Association in Hernando Beach, asked for clarification on canal width since the canals were not uniform. Mr. Linsbeck stated that the measurement was taken at the lowest point. Ms. Moore asked for a definition of the term “terminal platform, floating or fixed”. Mr. Linsbeck stated it was a floating dock with the ending point of the dock at the end of the gangway. This is different from a nominal dock which is right up against the seawall.
The next session to discuss this issue will be 03/22/16.