Board approves variance for replacement tiki hut at Englewood property

The Charlotte County Board of Zoning Appeals on May 13 approved VAR-26-009, allowing a replacement tiki hut at 4060 North Beach Road in Englewood to sit 33 feet from the rear property line instead of the required 50 feet.

Senior planner Elizabeth Nocek, who presented the staff report, said the applicant, David Bianconi, requested a variance to "reduce the required 50 foot rear yard setback by 17 feet to allow a 33 foot rear yard setback for a replacement tiki hut" after the original structure was destroyed during hurricanes in 2024. Nocek told the board staff found the five variance standards could be met given the lot configuration, preexisting improvements and the history of the prior nonconforming structure.

Nocek summarized staff's recommended conditions: the approved variance applies only to the proposed 12-by-12 tiki hut; the variance will expire if the tiki hut is removed or replaced (except when removal is caused by a natural disaster); and the applicant must obtain any required zoning and building permits. Agent Robin Seraphine answered brief questions and confirmed the staff report was thorough; no members of the public spoke in opposition during the public comment period.

A board member moved to approve VAR-26-009 based on the community development staff report dated May 6, 2026, and included the three staff recommendations; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote. The board made no finding of precedent and reiterated that future development would require applicable permits.