Where a concrete pool deck contractor in New Smyrna Beach can and can't build
The city draws its Coastal Construction Setback Line right on top of the state's Coastal Construction Control Line. Under land development regulation 703.02, nothing gets built seaward of it. That covers principal buildings, accessory structures "including but not limited to pools, decks, patios, garages, sheds, and gazebos," and hardscape such as pavers. A building permit exempts dune walkovers and some seawalls and fences. For anything else seaward, you ask the planning and zoning board for a variance, and the board must deny it if any listed criterion isn't met.
About 10.4 km of the state line runs through the city, more than any of the six towns we sampled. FDEP lists an erosion-control segment named "New Smyrna Beach, Bethune Beach" from R160.8 to R207.8. Have a lot on the barrier island? Get the line marked on your survey before you pay for a design. The state side is in our beachside guide.
Sixty percent flood zone, and the only VE in our sample
Of 125 FEMA flood data points inside the city, about 60 percent land in a special flood hazard area. That's the highest of the six towns. The split is 30.4 percent Zone A, 27.2 percent Zone AE, 11.2 percent the 0.2 percent chance zone, 28.8 percent Zone X and 2.4 percent Zone VE, the coastal high-hazard zone. Only this city, of the six, had sample points in VE. AE base flood elevations at those points ran 5 to 8 ft, with 6 ft the most common. The VE points ran 9 to 10 ft.
Here's how that hits the slab. Florida's residential code covers V zones and Coastal A Zones. There, a slab for patios or walkways near an elevated building must be frangible or self-supporting. Frangible means no thicker than 4 inches, unreinforced, and jointed both ways at most 4 ft apart. The city's under-$7,500 permit exemption under HB 803 does not apply to property in a flood hazard area, so ask Building and Inspections how it treats requests for your parcel. The city also runs a floodplain program under the Community Rating System.
Pool decks here follow our Volusia range. The free written estimate, after we see the site, gives you your number.
| Job | Per sq ft | Typical project | What moves the price in New Smyrna Beach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broom, knockdown or cool-deck pool deck | $8 to $15 | $3,200 to $12,000 | Flood zone work, soft ground, permit steps |
| Worked example: 650 sq ft deck | $8 to $15 | $5,200 to $9,750 | 650 sq ft times the range |
| Stamped pool deck | $12 to $20 | $3,600 to $10,000 | Pattern, color, sealer |
| Worked example: 450 sq ft stamped deck | $12 to $20 | $5,400 to $9,000 | 450 sq ft times the range |
| Tear out an old deck first | adds $1.50 to $3 | Added to the pour | Thickness, steel, haul-off |
These are ranges only. A parcel near the coastal setback line may not be buildable at all, so we check the line before the estimate.
