Board of Adjustment approves rear-setback variance for Fern Park homeowner

The Seminole County Board of Adjustment on the board's June meeting approved a rear-yard setback variance allowing a garage at 230 Waverly Drive to sit 5 feet from the rear property line instead of the required 30 feet.

The variance, for a proposed 440-square-foot, 20-by-22-foot garage, was approved after the applicant described repeated theft and safety concerns and said the additional enclosed space is needed for vehicles, tools and to provide shelter during storms.

Cheryl Sigler, the property owner at 230 Waverly Drive, told the board she was “in dire need of a 2 vehicle garage” and described prior burglaries and repeated thefts from an existing outbuilding: “I stored an $800 mower … about 6 months into my stay, everything was stolen out of it.” Sigler said she stores a $3,000 mower inside her home and that she hopes a garage would protect property and provide a shelter for family during storms.

A staff presentation described the request as a continuance from a prior meeting and noted the proposed structure exceeds 200 square feet and therefore must meet the same rear-yard setback as the house. No written opposition was presented at the hearing and neighbors next door said they had no objection when asked by the board.

Board member Beagley moved to approve the variance; board member Wright seconded the motion. The board voted in favor and the motion passed.

The approval permits construction to proceed subject to standard building-permit and inspection requirements; the applicant was reminded that any required permits and inspections must be secured before construction begins.