Miami Lakes board approves reduced rear setback for Miami Lakeway homeowner’s addition

The Town of Miami Lakes Planning & Zoning Board on a 4-1 vote approved a variance allowing homeowner Natalie Santos to build a rear addition at 7100 Miami Lakeway South with a 20-foot rear setback instead of the 25 feet normally required.

The variance was requested as part of a proposal to add a 30-by-50-foot addition that would otherwise encroach into the rear yard. Justin Teleria, planning and zoning staff, told the board that “staff recommends denial of the proposal,” citing the town’s setback requirements and an outstanding code matter noted in staff materials.

Santos, the applicant, described personal and accessibility reasons for the work. “My husband’s also in a wheelchair. He has ALS,” she said, saying the larger room would allow family to assist and would accommodate her husband’s equipment.

Board discussion focused on lot geometry, prior approvals at the property and alternatives that would allow more interior space without the full variance sought. Board member De La Sierra moved to allow a 20-foot rear setback (a 5-foot variance from the 25-foot requirement); Vice Chair Nelson Rodriguez seconded. The roll call vote was 4–1, with Board member Robert Julia voting no and Board members De La Sierra, Nelson Rodriguez, Chair Fred Senra and Avellino Leoncio voting yes. The motion passed and the variance was granted as moved.

During the hearing, staff and board members noted a prior fence variance at the property and referenced an earlier code violation about tree trimming. No additional permit conditions were recorded in the board’s motion beyond the approved setback reduction.

The decision allows Santos to proceed with the revised setback; any building permits or code-clearance conditions remain subject to review by the town’s building and code-enforcement staff.