The Pembroke Pines Board of Adjustment on Wednesday approved two variances for a single residential property, allowing a 7-foot side setback for a bedroom addition instead of the required 7.5 feet and a 2-foot side setback for an existing patio instead of the required 5 feet.

The variances will let the homeowner proceed with permitting and legalize existing and proposed work after the owner submits final documentation to the city building department.

The board heard from the property owner, identified in the meeting as Mr. Saenz, who said he was asked by city staff to update and resubmit construction drawings after the project was delayed. "I removed the gazebo," Saenz told the board, adding that he also removed a shed and a patio deck section to address setback concerns. City staff member Christian told the board the owner had been working with staff for several years and was "reducing some of the items in order to meet code." Christian said the owner would need to finish by removing paving in some areas and completing landscape work to meet code requirements.

Chairman Rodriguez opened each variance for motion after asking whether board members had questions. The board approved the first variance, listed as ZVR2025-0011, to allow a 7-foot side setback along the eastern property line for a bedroom addition under Section 155.301 of the city code. The motion passed on a roll-call vote with all members present voting yes: Vice Chairman Kroll; Member Brito; Member Abendondolo; Member Pitts; and Chairman Rodriguez.

The board then approved a second variance, recorded as CVR2025-0012 (agenda language used several similar codes), to allow a 2-foot side setback along the western property line for an existing patio, also under Section 155.301. That motion likewise passed unanimously on roll call.

After the votes, Chairman Rodriguez addressed the owner: "Mr. Saenz, your variances have been approved. Go back to your building department, submit your documentation, and legalize your structures." The board provided no additional conditions in the meeting minutes beyond the instruction to file the required documentation and to complete the work necessary to meet code.

The owner and staff confirmed that a previously proposed carport enclosure would not be pursued and that the property has been the subject of ongoing compliance work for about three years. The board’s questions were limited; no appeals or dissenting votes were recorded during the meeting.

Next steps: the owner must submit required documentation to the building department to obtain the permits needed to legalize the additions and altered structures. The board moved on to other business after recording the approvals.