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Board approves side-yard setback reduction at 775 Westgate Drive for garage expansion
Summary
The Board of Appeals granted a variance reducing the north side-yard setback from 8 feet to 6 feet at 775 Westgate Drive to allow a wider garage and related interior work; the board emphasized height and other structural changes require separate permits.
The City of Safety Harbor Board of Appeals on June 11 approved variance 2025-21 to reduce the required north side-yard setback at 775 Westgate Drive from 8 feet to 6 feet. The owners, Johanna Netras and Theodore Melas, sought the variance to widen a one-car garage and improve access for household members with mobility concerns.
City senior planner Cecilia told the board the property is in the R-2 single-family residential district and noted the house sits roughly 8 feet above street elevation, creating a steep driveway and constrained garage access. Staff recommended the variance after concluding the lot’s topography and existing layout limit practical alternatives and the application met the code’s variance criteria.
Owner testimony described a narrow one-car garage and steep driveway that make entering and exiting vehicles difficult, particularly for elderly family members. Architect Drew Donegan told the board the project includes a garage extension with “1 additional story” above the garage area to provide a larger bedroom and laundry space. Donegan confirmed the upper-level program is planned but that design details such as ceiling height had not yet been finalized.
A nearby resident, Frank Patterson, said he had no objection to the setback change but raised concern that the project might include a taller addition that could alter neighborhood character: “I don’t know that that’s going to be in the character of the neighborhood,” he said. Staff and the hearing officer clarified the Board of Appeals was deciding only the setback variance; any height increase or other structural work would require separate building permits and review by city permitting staff. Cecilia noted that the R-2 district allows up to 25 feet in height by right.
A board member moved to approve the variance; the motion passed on an affirmative voice vote with no opposition. The approval covers the requested setback relief only; the owners must submit building-permit applications for any work that alters height, footprint beyond the approved variance, or other regulated elements.
