Fort Lauderdale may require taller sea walls

Fort Lauderdale may require an 8-inch increase in the minimum height of sea walls throughout the city to protect it from rising sea levels.

City commissioners are expected to consider the higher minimum height for sea walls in May and to vote on the proposal in June.

The proposal would require that sea wall stand at least 6 feet and 2 inches above mean sea level.

The city currently requires a sea-wall height of 5 feet 6 inches above mean sea level.

Other coastal cities in South Florida have taken similar action. Miami Beach city commissioners this week gave tentative approval to a proposal raising the minimum height of sea walls to 5 feet 6 inches above mean sea level for private property and to 7 feet 3 inches above mean sea level for public property.

Lighthouse Point last year increased the height for sea walls to 5 feet 6 inches above mean sea level.

Raising a sea wall involves adding a cap, which could cost $10,000 for a 100-foot wall. Replacing an entire sea wall could cost $125,000 if it is too fragile for the weight of a cap. [Sun-Sentinel] – Mike Seemuth