The Pembroke Pines Board of Adjustment approved four residential variances Thursday evening to legalize existing work at three single‑family properties, voting unanimously to allow a large pergola, an expanded circular driveway and two setback waivers for a backyard shed.

The actions were taken at the board’s regular meeting, where staff noted the zoning and building permit files showed no prior permits for the contested work and applicants provided neighborhood approval letters and supporting documentation.

The decisions matter because they authorize deviations from the City of Pembroke Pines Land Development Code (LDC) that would otherwise prevent issuance of building permits for the structures and paved areas. Board members repeatedly told applicants they should obtain permits before beginning work and asked applicants to coordinate with city staff on remaining inspections, landscape corrections and any required as‑built information.

Nicole Best, owner of the Lakeside Key property at 9761 Southwest 12th Street, asked the board to legalize an existing open‑sided freestanding structure she described in a written letter to the board. Best’s letter, entered into the record, said the pergola ‘‘has become a truly meaningful part of our home’’ and described its therapeutic value for her son’s anxiety. City staff’s summary states the structure measures 14 feet 7 inches by 23 feet 10 inches (approximately 348 square feet) and exceeds the LDC limit of 200 square feet for an open‑sided freestanding structure on a single‑family lot. The board approved ZVR2025‑0022 under LDC Section 155.301, finding the variance was not incompatible with public policy and would not adversely affect adjacent property owners. Staff told the board it may require the applicant to work with the city’s landscape division to meet landscape standards before final permitting.

At a Spring Valley property, owner Giordano Pass requested a variance to retain a circular driveway. Pass told the board that his wife has Myasthenia gravis and that the circular driveway ‘‘will make it easier and safer for her to drop off closer to the front door’’; he provided medical documentation and nine neighbor letters of support. The city’s report says the applicant is proposing to reduce impervious coverage at the front of the lot from 64% to 55% but that the code permits a maximum 40% front lot coverage. The board approved ZVR2025‑0024 to allow 55% front lot coverage for the existing driveway and directed the owner to complete the permitting process.

Dean and Charmaine Thomason asked the board to legalize an 8‑by‑8 shed on a concrete slab in Westview. Staff reported no permanent permits for the shed in city files but a Broward County property‑appraiser image shows a structure at the location since at least 1998; the Thomasons said the shed was present when they purchased the house in February 2021 and that they replaced an older plastic shed with a smaller, wood structure. The board approved two variances, ZVR2025‑0025 (a 4‑foot side setback in lieu of the required 5 feet) and ZVR2025‑0026 (a 2‑foot rear setback in lieu of the required 5 feet). The board and staff reminded the applicants that a building permit and as‑built documentation will be required and discussed construction details to ensure the structure is anchored for hurricane season.

Votes at a glance
- ZVR2025‑0022 (Best): Approve variance to allow a ~348 sq. ft. open‑sided freestanding structure (permit application RX24‑07962 cannot be approved until variance granted). Motion approved; roll call affirmative. Applicant to coordinate with staff for permit and landscape corrections.
- ZVR2025‑0024 (Pass): Approve variance to allow 55% front lot coverage instead of the required 40% for an existing circular driveway (driveway reduction from previously reported 64% to proposed 55%). Motion approved; roll call affirmative. Applicant provided medical documentation and neighbor letters of support.
- ZVR2025‑0025 (Thomason): Approve variance for 4‑foot side setback instead of required 5 feet for existing 8x8 shed. Motion approved; roll call affirmative. Applicant must submit permit application and as‑built documentation.
- ZVR2025‑0026 (Thomason): Approve variance for 2‑foot rear setback instead of required 5 feet for existing 8x8 shed. Motion approved; roll call affirmative. Applicant must submit permit application and as‑built documentation.

The board’s staff repeatedly cautioned applicants that doing work before securing permits can lead to compliance cases; staff said it will inspect properties and work with applicants on final landscaping and permit details. Several board members asked practical questions about drainage, proximity to pools and whether electrical work was permitted; in each case staff or the applicant confirmed electrical or construction details would be handled through the building‑permit process. The board’s approvals were unanimous on the recorded roll calls. Applicants were instructed to see city staff to complete permitting and any required corrections.

The meeting adjourned after the variances were granted.