Board approves variances for Pass-a-Grille redevelopment at 100 Pass-a-Grille Way

The St. Pete Beach Board of Adjustment on Wednesday approved variances that allow redevelopment of a courtyard apartment property at 100 Pass-a-Grille Way, permitting rear-setback encroachments and larger “developed” living areas than the existing units.

The board voted 3–1 to grant three variances requested by Barracks by the Sea LLC, allowing reconstructed three-story units that will include (1) exclusion of 450 square feet of ground-floor, non-habitable parking/storage from developed-square-footage limits; (2) rear-setback relief to permit a rebuilt building as close as 5 feet 5 inches from the alley where 20 feet is generally required; and (3) a stair encroachment of 8 feet 1 inch from the alley where 17 feet is required. The board also approved the applicants’ request to increase developed living area per unit from 475 square feet to up to 840 square feet, subject to conditions.

Why it matters: The property was substantially damaged in recent hurricanes, and the applicants said bringing the buildings up to current FEMA, Florida Building Code and Fair Housing standards requires elevated/stacked units and modestly more interior space. Supporters argued the proposal preserves the historic courtyard pattern of the Pass‑a‑Grille Overlay District…