HOLIDAY SURF AND RACQUET CLUB CONDOMINIUM

Issue: Design criteria for dune walkover.

Analysis: The applicant is requesting a waiver from providing a ramped dune walkover system in lieu of a stepped dune walkover costing $40,534. According to the applicant, a ramped system would increase the cost of construction an additional $79,600. The structure is being constructed as a result of a beach renourishment project adjacent to the property which is a resort condominium licensed under Chapter 509, F. S. It is also subject to regulation by the Department of Environmental Regulation (DEP), since the system will be installed seaward of the Coastal Construction Control Line. DEP will not permit a ramped system to be constructed because the size of the structure would create more impervious materials, subject to storm conditions, on the beach. The applicant plans to provide a beach wheelchair to maneuver on the sand after leaving the structure. The local building official does not consider the stepped system accessible, and referred the applicant to the Commission for a waiver. There are no Florida-specific requirements in the Accessibility Code that can be waived.

Project Progress:

The project is under construction.

Items to be Waived:

Construction of a stepped dune walkover in lieu of a 1:12 ramped system.

Waiver Criteria: There is no specific guidance for a waiver of this requirement in the code. The Commission’s current rule, authorized in Section 553.512, Florida Statutes, provides criteria for granting waivers and allows consideration of unnecessary or extreme hardship to the applicant if the specific requirements were imposed.