Cocoa Beach board considers 6-foot front-yard setback variance for single-family home

At its July 16, 2025 meeting, the City of Cocoa Beach Board of Adjustment heard a request (case PZ-25-16) to reduce the required 25-foot front-yard setback by 6 feet for a single-family home in the RS-1 zoning district. City staff member Corey told the board the reduction would affect about 50 to 56 square feet and recommended allowing the variance.

The matter was presented as a quasi-judicial public hearing; the city attorney swore in the applicant, staff and any witnesses before testimony began. City staff said the house on the lot was built at an angle to the property lines and that the proposed addition would “impact the setback by 6 feet at the most at the largest point.” Staff characterized the change as having minimal impact on neighboring properties because the street is a dead end and there is only one other house across the street.

Anders Bergman, the property owner and applicant, told the board he grew up in the house and said the configuration of the lot constrained usable space. Bergman said the addition is needed to enlarge a small master bathroom and closet area. “Looking at the layout and the space ... it actually impacts the usability of the house,” he said.

A nearby resident, Joel Richland of Valley Road, asked clarifying questions about the location of the proposed work. “I saw these signs, and I’m not really sure from a layman’s standpoint: could you explain to me this is in the front of the house, in the back of the house, the side of the house?” Richland asked.

The transcript excerpt contains staff analysis, applicant testimony and public questions but does not include a recorded motion or vote on the variance in the provided portion of the meeting. The city attorney reminded the board that any decision must be based on competent, substantial, fact-based testimony presented during the hearing. The record reflects the item had been advertised as required.