Pembroke Pines Board of Adjustment approves four residential variances including pergola, circular driveway and shed setbacks

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…