The Fort Lauderdale Marine Advisory Board voted on Dec. 4 to table a dock-waiver application for 401 Idlewild (presented as 401 Idyllwylde/Idlewild Drive) after sustained neighbor objections and technical questions about setbacks and navigational clearance.

Matt Capiello of Dock Experts presented the homeowner's plan to replace a 1992 dock and seawall and to extend waterward to a 53-foot projection to allow deeper-draft vessel access. He said the design included seagrass mitigation measures accepted by state and county review—narrower dock footprint, higher decking and one-inch plank spacing to admit sunlight.

Tyler Chappell, representing nearby residents, argued that the submittal contained inconsistent dimensions, omitted accurate vessel drawings and would not provide adequate turning radius for neighboring boaters. Chappell presented alternative configurations (finger pier and adjusted L-dock variants) intended to meet the city's 5-foot side-yard setback and to preserve safe navigation.

Board staff and the zoning administrator noted that the northernmost finger pier must be set back five feet from the property line to meet the side-yard requirement and that new construction must not encroach into the city's repair line. The chair offered three options to the board: deny, approve subject to the northern finger pier shifting and removal of benches, or table for revision.

A member moved to table the item to allow the applicant and neighbors to work out dimensional errors and navigation concerns; the motion was seconded and passed by roll-call. The chair and staff said tabling will allow the applicant to resubmit corrected plans consistent with side-yard setbacks, seagrass mitigation commitments and clearer vessel specs.

The board's decision preserves the applicant's opportunity to revise the application and did not constitute a denial. Staff encouraged neighbors and the applicant to meet and to provide corrected survey and vessel information prior to the board's next consideration.