Council grants setback variance for 1921 North Central Avenue to rebuild cemetery office

The Sebastian City Council approved a variance on a city-owned parcel at 1921 North Central Avenue that reduces the required 30-foot front setback to 19.31 feet to allow construction of a new administrative building for the city cemetery.

Planning staff said the reduced setback was requested to avoid impacting existing burial plots and to preserve a large oak tree on the site. City attorney read the resolution and staff explained the Parks, Recreation and Facilities Department submitted the site plan showing the proposed building would be offset slightly to the east of the existing structure and that the new footprint is intended to lessen impacts on graves and the tree.

During public comment several speakers opposed the variance. Damien Gilliams (1623 U.S. 1) questioned an appraisal and alleged the city failed to report historic oil dumping, referenced a cemetery trust account, and raised other financial and environmental concerns; he asked the council to “check your appraisal” and suggested broader issues to be investigated. Staff and council members responded that the building is intended to replace an outdated facility and that the parcel is not on the river.

Councilmember Dodd moved approval and a second was recorded. The council voted by roll call — Dodd, Nunn, McPartland and Jones each voting yes — and the motion carried.

Staff said the property owner is the City of Sebastian and that staff supports the request to reduce the setback in order to save the oak tree and avoid adverse impacts to plots. The council directed staff to proceed with the project as approved.