[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,86,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6147630,"mediaKeyId","5520419-000855ca6491eca0bdfe948d395fc749","parentId",5520419,"title","Board allows existing 99 sq ft storage building at 3314 East Maritana Drive with permit condition","audioSeconds",745,"startMs",3819000,"endMs",4564000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5520419-000855ca6491eca0bdfe948d395fc749&start=3819&end=4564","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5520419-000855ca6491eca0bdfe948d395fc749/thumbnail_3819000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6147630/St-Pete-Beach/Pinellas-County/Florida/Board-allows-existing-99-sq-ft-storage-building-at-3314-East-Maritana-Drive-with-permit-condition","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6147630-5c156bae476114c545fdaac672b2bd27/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448382&Signature=Lpg4~vN~-Brcak1DhIOPF~rfg4mJ1KJleYLTlroU6Mqm9wc0g7HQPE7u8Vp~YNd8jHhk6092xrbjWOlAz-xocBd3uAy4Be5apbTxzQPAq3wAEelfTr0l0P-NPovKTpHFYs907Chx5FHHRsV5~84YNNupEDGA4Hqxjgq30dHGheh4-XOImYcNXJFC9xe~BMAqa0Y-Bi27Nkdp9yFcO0UxYxiBgv52LPa~QcD7ebMv6gd4ey9vbTgvA8xXI54P5v7L~TepdQBsoUo85c5rkepjdxsrwZqZ68FEgrlpBkhbcvmaijv1ztom9Bn2wrhMsY4ZCPS0xOV3obh55n5GOUQk0Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of St. Pete Beach, FL","date","2025-08-01T03:49:38.683Z","article","The Board of Adjustment approved retaining a 99-square-foot residential storage building at 3314 East Maritana Drive — larger than the 80-square-foot maximum in the city's code — provided the owner obtains the required building permit and passes inspections to demonstrate the structure meets anchoring, stormwater, and safety requirements.

Senior planner Kristen Coleman told the board the structure was built without a permit and exceeded the 80-square-foot limit (staff cited Land Development Code §6.13(b)(5)). The property owner, Alan Schmidt, said he replaced a failing older metal shed with a wood structure designed to match the home’s mid-20th-century style and said it withstood last season’s storm. Schmidt told the board he initially believed a permit threshold was 100 square feet based on his online search and that he built the structure on piers and tied it down.

Staff recommended approval conditioned on the owner obtaining the required building permit and providing required information about stormwater and tie-downs, and on submission of any technical data needed for permitting. The board noted the structure's recent construction, the owner's described intent to match the main house, and a support letter filed after the packet was published.

Action: The board approved case 25084 with the staff condition that the owner obtain a building permit and pass inspections and any required stormwater/tie-down documentation. Roll-call votes were recorded as yes by all members present.

Why it matters: The approval regularizes an unpermitted, recently built accessory structure while ensuring the city’s permitting and safety standards are met through inspections and conditional approval.

Details: Staff asked which materials would be stored and how roof runoff and stormwater would be handled; the owner said the shed is used for bicycles and family goods and would likely be removed or relocated if the house elevation project provides adequate under-house storage. The owner said the house will be elevated about 13 feet as part of post-storm repairs.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of Adjustment - July 30, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The board granted a variance to retain a 99-square-foot storage building that exceeds the 80-square-foot limit, conditioned on obtaining required permits and inspections; owner said the shed was built to match the house and was not damaged by the storm.","taxTitle","St. Pete Beach, Pinellas County, Florida","taxId",48406,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":44,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6147635,"Board denies front-yard setback variance for 565 Bellpoint Drive after split vote",1131,2688000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5520419-000855ca6491eca0bdfe948d395fc749&start=2688&end=3819","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5520419-000855ca6491eca0bdfe948d395fc749/thumbnail_2688000.jpg","/articles/6147635/St-Pete-Beach/Pinellas-County/Florida/Board-denies-front-yard-setback-variance-for-565-Bellpoint-Drive-after-split-vote","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6147635-e357acc0c37c5f934f4bb0d81c9cf995/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448382&Signature=gtG~Hfdr~qdOJgBwMXlapFy31YWAaHt2zEvONlVnmEJz0fI6aSYJjyOnulfEdpv3~qT4QaT7ANKxhPx4r9VAl8VySflQp48zULt23MfjFTc~yDk~P8ybUj8l8SfiJUEmV5ABG8F1yIWX8kAi01Re5xDmM1L~PI-BkSPrKCBBbIPhP8J3qJ1jU8YyDGp-l5gCs0u7u3IGAj5TUzTn0JaKlIYYBsRiqtwuqMk~JJtEjfsRxDbhiovyk684r7MH4OLE3yVZCTcQ-kXAhUkOWc1Z2wlKhvNtCB8nUAOJNfH2hoin9KAzhrGJWCO0wjL7ZWs1nt~x6rOI4lJmA9BQJSeEng__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Board of Adjustment denied a front-yard setback variance request at 565 Bellpoint Drive after members expressed concern that the proposed garage expansion and conversion would materially encroach into the established front-yard plane on a street where larger front setbacks prevail.

Senior planner Kristen Coleman presented the request for case 25087: the applicant, James Kearney, proposed to convert part of an attached garage into an additional bedroom, bathroom and laundry area and to add a 22-foot-10-inch by 15-foot garage extension resulting in a proposed front-yard setback of 13.5 feet where the code requires 20 feet (land development code section 8.7(a)(1)). Coleman asked the applicant to describe exterior materials and to address the project’s relationship to the newly installed circular paver driveway.

Applicant James Kearney told the board he lives at the residence with his wife, that he plans to remain in the home and wants a one-story layout because of mobility concerns, and that converting a portion of the garage is preferable to a second-floor solution. He said the driveway clearance between the new addition and the circular driveway is approximately 11 feet 6 inches and that he plans to match materials and architectural details.

Board discussion focused on neighborhood context and whether the proposed front-yard encroachment would be harmonious with surrounding properties. Several members said the request represents a significant front-yard intrusion and noted other options (second-floor addition or internal reconfiguration) could provide the desired living space without reducing the front setback. There were no public objections filed and no letters in the packet.

Action: A motion to approve the variance with a staff-recommended as-built survey condition failed on a 3–1 vote. A subsequent motion to deny the variance passed 3–1 (Member Kore and Member Causey and Chair Chase voted to deny; Member Small opposed). The board’s denial was based on the testimony and findings presented at the hearing.

Why it matters: The denial preserves the existing front-yard setback standard on Bellpoint Drive and shows the board weighing neighborhood character and alternatives against private renovation needs.

Details: The applicant sought relief from Land Development Code §8.7(a)(1) for a front-yard setback reduction to 13.5 feet from 20 feet required; the board considered an as-built survey as a condition but ultimately voted to deny. The applicant may pursue alternate designs or bring revised plans to a future meeting.","A request to extend a garage and convert part of it to living space at 565 Bellpoint Drive was denied after the board found the front-yard encroachment substantial and alternatives available; the motion to approve failed 3–1 and a subsequent motion to deny passed 3–1.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6147640,"Board approves two-lot split at 3214 West of Brazen Avenue despite 1-inch shortfall in width",528,2152000,2680000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5520419-000855ca6491eca0bdfe948d395fc749&start=2152&end=2680","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5520419-000855ca6491eca0bdfe948d395fc749/thumbnail_2152000.jpg","/articles/6147640/St-Pete-Beach/Pinellas-County/Florida/Board-approves-two-lot-split-at-3214-West-of-Brazen-Avenue-despite-1-inch-shortfall-in-width","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6147640-3666251e4ee85f2c1843a57a43c422f3/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448382&Signature=BWaS~MZYfQNIYSsa86GJI12O47xAsEDVfu~586fIqxw-LN0aOoPIu8tUMYar4SNGVRS5CMt7VS6rpuEcepJGJFYaWP9ibRwXm9gjJDACTE-WD~l1JHh0EnQJNEGMicvu7oYs343WVQDHgG9e4EZG3V4TMwyBLcIbA803lz~GBVZPB8ArsquaC0Uv1BFyzbSU6-57~l0hfIO~4KPqLYPHtHF6-BTSROlanrtd84ATqIWFR4g4jaNkn9jSALjSxOydhhDeE8CaWp-xpr~kIfUfgfgTARZyPyz8uPmvNJHG-ytkg4LTavaQWCpikzj-HIsAWRNa3YiDUUBuGqqz4sFDqg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Board of Adjustment voted unanimously to approve a lot-split request for the property identified in the staff report as 3214 West (of Brazen Avenue), allowing the creation of two single-family lots that average 59.91 feet in width where 60 feet is normally required.

Planner Brandon Berry (presenting the staff report) told the board the request is made under the code provision cited in the packet and that the proposed lots meet the minimum area required by the comprehensive plan even though each would average 59.91 feet in width — about one-tenth of a foot (roughly an inch) under the 60-foot width requirement. Berry said lots in the area vary and the subject parcel is one of the largest in the neighborhood.

Chris Hansen, representing Georgia F. Young Inc., testified for the applicant and confirmed that all existing structures on the site will be demolished prior to the city approving the lot split and that the owner understands the lot-split and any resulting administrative requirements. Hansen told the board he did not anticipate future variances would be required and that the created lots would be in keeping with neighboring lot sizes.

Staff recommended approval with the inherent administrative lot split requirement and no additional conditions because the shortfall in width is minimal (less than 1%) and the lots would be consistent with the neighborhood pattern. No letters of objection were filed and no members of the public spoke in opposition.

Action: The board approved case 25089 as proposed. The vote was recorded as unanimous by roll call.

Why it matters: The decision enables the property owner to subdivide a large irregular lot into two buildable single-family lots under local standards with the condition that existing structures are removed and the administrative lot-split process is completed.

Details: Staff noted the lots would each average 59.91 feet in width (60 feet is required by code), meet minimum area requirements, and will require demolition of existing improvements before final administrative approval by the city. The action follows land development rules cited in the staff packet (identified in the transcript as code section 9.6(a)(2)).","The Board of Adjustment approved a lot-split request that creates two lots averaging 59.91 feet in width where 60 feet is required; staff and the applicant said structures must be demolished and that the split meets lot-area and plan requirements.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6147645,"Board approves variance for rebuilt dock at 4107 Miller Drive despite missing southern neighbor sign-off",1692,430000,2122000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5520419-000855ca6491eca0bdfe948d395fc749&start=430&end=2122","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5520419-000855ca6491eca0bdfe948d395fc749/thumbnail_430000.jpg","/articles/6147645/St-Pete-Beach/Pinellas-County/Florida/Board-approves-variance-for-rebuilt-dock-at-4107-Miller-Drive-despite-missing-southern-neighbor-sign-off","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6147645-114457a8520bc63ef68c8fe71448699b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448382&Signature=nFTwe3jDUPIWPmF0aosgyqMDfr4-N2nRs23pwrcXLznmjN1WAkzO1KU1TNQ2b1qLIUNfdnfMzXZ3NRfTPWQYruG~ysV4lAGJJTBr0BsjlHafOUkaBSbiLqhoxNPVAoQjcK~dn~Aozsyq3384EZ2rEY5Dyrc7gHtJnYhduuOGvMvh1ct6caSQ3bfHrifj19bY~CD9jta5n1AuWI77PmAgp61gJVaR4xekqW0Rl3rE~A3nYXH-wplkyIL4IHJrwQ4zO57HiQfwih7dJD2~lu7wefm7A2~VQ1dvd-NXnGAb7wXnPsC-cpGRwlUWd9jPQMsCEAK7dAMbiFPou2fNf0iU2Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Board of Adjustment approved a variance on the rebuilt dock at 4107 Miller Drive, voting unanimously to allow a new 6-by-20-foot dock and a reduced riparian setback after a presentation by staff and testimony from the applicant's agent.

The variance request sought relief from the city's dock standards in land development code section 6.23(d)(3) and (4) to replace a storm-damaged dock and to construct a narrower structure 20 feet long (a half foot longer than the 19.5-foot allowance) that would encroach up to about 0.6 feet into the southeastern neighbor's riparian setback at the closest point.

Staff planner Brandon Berry summarized the request and noted the proposal would produce a dock narrower and shorter than the existing structure and that the north-side neighbor had provided a signed letter of no objection. Berry said staff had not received a letter from the southeastern (south) waterfront neighbor and that administrative approval would require signature from any affected neighbor. He also said there is an active permit for renovation of the house and that the existing seawall showed mild erosion.

Agent Micah Thompson of Gulf and Bay Dock Works told the board the proposed dock is roughly half the size of the existing dock and that the property owner wants a configuration that could accommodate a small future boat lift if the neighboring owners sign off at that later date. Thompson said he and the owner attempted to contact the southeastern neighbor (listed in the city records as mail to NXT Acquisitions Corp. in Coral Gables) without success.

Board members discussed whether to continue the item to allow additional attempts to reach the absentee owner, given that the current dock already encroaches into riparian setbacks (staff estimated the existing dock was about 5 feet from the extended southeastern property line at its closest point and the proposed dock would reduce that clearance to roughly 0.6 feet at one point). Several members said they were comfortable voting because the applicant and staff had made the required notices and because there was no recorded objection on file.

Action: The board voted to approve case 25060 as proposed, with no conditions. The motion passed by roll call with all voting members recorded as yes.

The applicant and agent were reminded that any future request for a boat lift or other additional work would require separate approvals and, if additional neighbor signatures are necessary, the item could return to the board.

Why it matters: The decision lets the property owner replace a storm-damaged dock with a smaller structure now, while preserving the possibility of a future lift if neighboring owners agree. It also illustrates how absentee or out-of-state property ownership can complicate neighborhood sign-off requirements.

Details: The staff report cited Land Development Code section 6.23(d)(3) and (4). The approved dock is 6 feet wide by 20 feet long; code allows 19.5 feet in length in this location. Staff noted a one-year limitation on the variance if exercised and recommended no special conditions for approval.

Speakers quoted above are those who testified at the hearing or who were recorded in the staff presentation; any future lift proposal will require separate filings and neighbor authorization if applicable.","The Board of Adjustment approved a variance allowing a 6-by-20-foot dock (half a foot longer than code) and a reduced riparian setback at 4107 Miller Drive after hearing from staff and the applicant; the southern waterfront neighbor did not sign but staff and the applicant said notice and attempts to contact that owner were made.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board allows existing 99 sq ft storage building at 3314 East Maritana Drive with permit condition

Board denies front-yard setback variance for 565 Bellpoint Drive after split vote

Board approves two-lot split at 3214 West of Brazen Avenue despite 1-inch shortfall in width

Board approves variance for rebuilt dock at 4107 Miller Drive despite missing southern neighbor sign-off