Gulfport Board Delays Baywood Point Dock Decision

Gulfport's Board of Adjustment postponed a decision on a dock variance request for a Baywood Point property, placing request V24-10 in a 90-day abeyance. The board made the decision during its Aug. 14, 2024, meeting at Gulfport City Hall.

William and Diane Stefanski, owners of the property at 4758 Baywood Point Drive South, sought permission to reduce required side setbacks from 13 feet to 3 feet. The change would allow them to install a boat lift on four new pilings and a new dock.

William Stefanski told the board he wanted to relocate his dock and add a boat lift to park his boat at his home. James Warrick, a neighbor at 4752 Baywood Point Drive South, objected to the request, stating the proposed installation would not leave adequate room.

Community Development Planner Mark Griffin explained the original dock had replacements in 1999 and 2001 on a concave-shaped lot. Griffin noted the Stefanskis had a state permit, but Warrick had not signed a Notice of No Objection. Pinellas County had not issued a permit due to the missing sign-off.

City Attorney Andrew Salzman emphasized the city's goal to find a resolution that minimized neighbor impact. Griffin advised Stefanski that withdrawing the request or receiving a denial could affect any future applications.

Stefanski and Warrick agreed to the 90-day abeyance. Board members G. Carter Bess, Keri Ferenc Nelson, Joe Guenther and William Oetting voted to approve the delay. The minutes do not record a final vote on the dock or boat lift after the abeyance period.