Palm Beach Daily News
Palm Beach property owners who want to build wider docks or piers that wrap around their lakefront lots may face a hurdle in the future.
A memo sent to the Planning and Zoning commissioners by Zoning Manager Paul Castro expressed concern about owners taking advantage of an existing loophole in the Code of Ordinances that doesn’t limit how wide a dock can be.
Further, Castro said, the loophole has provided an opportunity for developers and property owners to extend backyards over the lake.
“If they (property owners) can get a permit through the DEP (Department of Environmental Protection), we have nothing to control how wide a dock can be,” Castro told the Daily News. “In some cases, they’re building 30-foot-wide docks going out 15 or 20 feet into the water.”
Planning board to recommended extended trial period for expanded outdoor dining
Palm Beach Daily News
After spending the past several weeks reviewing outdoor dining in the town, the Planning and Zoning Commission will recommend to Town Council that the existing expansion should continue on a trial basis for another year and that restaurants should not be allowed to increase their total number of seats.
In a meeting Tuesday, commissioners also agreed that outdoor seats should not go beyond the perimeter of the restaurant; they will make that recommendation to the council when it meets next month.
Zoning Director Wayne Bergman told the commission that council members discussed the issue at their recent meeting and did not want the town to be a dining destination.
Palm Beach Daily News
The recent opening of a wine bar has prompted town staff to revisit the zoning code s clause on permitted use in the commercial district that includes South County Road and Royal Poinciana Way.
The Planning and Zoning Commission last month decided to seek an end to the permitted-use clause for bars and restaurants to ensure they have the approval of the Town Council in order to open.
Zoning Director Wayne Bergman told the March 16 commission meeting that Le Bar a Vin, which opened in December at 380 S. County Road, surprised residents, many of whom did not realize the business could open without council approval.
Breakers CEO Leone urges Palm Beach officials to increase outdoor seating palmbeachdailynews.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from palmbeachdailynews.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.