Miami Beach board approves after-the-fact variances for homeowner caring for elderly relative

The Zoning Board of Adjustment on Sept. 8 approved after-the-fact variances that allow two one‑story additions to remain on a single‑story home at West 40 Second Street, finding the legal standard for variance relief met and attaching conditions to mitigate neighborhood impacts.

Board members voted 6-0 to grant variances for interior side setbacks, a reduced rear setback and a slight shortfall in required pervious open space, subject to a required landscape plan, correction or permitting of an unpermitted driveway expansion on Prairie Avenue, and a condition that the bathroom serving the addition be enlarged and made accessible if required by the Building Department.

The property owner, who spoke through applicant Jeffrey Callas, told the board the additions include a bedroom and a specially equipped room used by an elderly relative with Alzheimer’s disease and limited mobility. "We would like you to pass this variance," Callas said, describing…