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VRB reduces front setback at Euclid Ave. site to preserve off-site 34-inch live oak
Summary
The Variance Review Board approved reducing the front-yard setback from 25 feet to 14 feet at 4614 West Euclid Ave. to preserve an off-site 34-inch live oak; staff and the applicant described use of elevated footings and arborist-recommended adjustments.
The City of Tampa Variance Review Board on Sept. 9 approved a front-yard setback reduction to allow construction of a home at 4614 West Euclid Avenue while protecting a neighboring grand live oak.
Applicant representative Luke Serac said the house footprint was moved forward to avoid three large roots identified during an air-spade root investigation. Staffs presentation noted the tree is off-site and measured 34 inches in diameter; the proposal uses elevated footings (bridging over roots) and allows the builder flexibility in the field to adjust footing locations to avoid critical root zones. The arborist rated the tree as preservation quality and recommended only limited canopy pruning (less than 10%).
Natural Resources recommended the reduced setback so long as alternate construction methods and additional in-field adjustments were available to protect the trees root system; transportation, utilities and stormwater reviewers offered no objections. Board members cited the tree-preservation rationale in granting the variance under the five hardship criteria in section 27-80.
Conditions established include adherence to the arborist recommendations, inspection during the root-pruning and footing phases, and standard protections required at permit review.
