Beach Bar Permit Revoked by Town Officials
The recent decision by town officials to revoke the permit for The Beach Bar has left the Boyd family in disbelief. Just months after receiving a Certificate of Occupancy and officially opening their establishment on I Street, they now face compliance issues. This turn of events is particularly disheartening given that it follows three years of recovery after Hurricane Ian devastated their previous business.
Permit Revocation Explained
The revocation stems from a letter issued by Joe Specht, the Fort Myers Beach Building Inspector. According to the letter, the permit for The Beach Bar was mistakenly granted. The establishment is located within a FEMA-designated AE Flood Zone, which imposes specific floodplain management requirements that the development does not meet.
Floodplain Management Requirements
As a participant in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), the town must enforce FEMA’s regulations. Some key requirements for properties in AE Flood Zones include:
- Residential structures must have the lowest floor elevated to or above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE).
- Non-residential structures need to be either elevated or floodproofed to the BFE.
- Development must not obstruct the floodplain, posing increased flood risks to nearby properties.
- All construction must comply with federal and local flood-resistant standards.
Specht stated that the permit was issued without confirming adherence to these regulations. Continuing construction under the current permit would not only increase flood risk but also jeopardize the town’s eligibility for the NFIP, potentially impacting flood insurance availability for all property owners in Fort Myers Beach.
Next Steps for Compliance
In light of this situation, town officials have expressed their willingness to assist the Boyd family in moving forward. They recommend consulting with a licensed Florida engineer, architect, or land surveyor knowledgeable in FEMA regulations. Key actions required for compliance include:
- The removal of the sink and associated plumbing at ground level.
- Obtaining a V-Zone certificate from the owner.
- Ensuring that all hydrostatic relief vents are kept clear of blockages.
- Providing a corrected Elevation Certificate for approval by the Floodplain Manager.
Despite the initial confusion, Town Manager Will McKannay reassured that the Boyd family does not need to close The Beach Bar while they work on these issues. He emphasized their acknowledgment of the required compliance measures.
Conclusion
This permit revocation highlights the complexities surrounding floodplain regulations in hurricane-prone areas. As the Boyd family navigates this challenging situation, community support and compliance are vital to ensure their business can thrive in the future.
