The Pembroke Pines Board of Adjustment approved a variance for a bedroom addition at 8761 Northwest 16th Street in the Boulevard Heights neighborhood to accommodate a growing household.

The board approved ZBR2025-0031 to allow a 4.8-foot side setback instead of the 7.5 feet required by code for a proposed 16.4-by-12-foot bedroom addition. Staff characterized this as a technicality linked to lot width: the lot measures 61 feet, which triggers the larger setback threshold; a 60-foot lot would not have required a variance.

Owner Ronald Q told the board he and his partner needed the additional room for a newborn and that surrounding neighbors had no objections. Staff said they visited the property and confirmed removal of flagged pavers; the owner said he will remove a shed and address landscaping comments as part of the project.

Board members asked about the house footprint, existing covered terrace and backyard depth; staff and the applicant said the backyard is large and the addition would be located at the rear, maintaining the roofline and architectural symmetry.

The motion to approve ZBR2025-0031 passed by roll call: Member Pitts Yes, Vice Chair Burrito Yes, Chairman Kroll Yes and Member O’Meara Yes. The board reiterated that approval does not remove the requirement to obtain necessary building permits; staff and the applicant said the contractor and architect will submit required revisions if needed.

The applicant was advised to coordinate with staff to finalize permit plans and to address landscaping and shed removal before final inspections.