Board approves parking and setback variances for 130 N. 8th Ave. with footprint condition

The Jacksonville Beach Board of Adjustments on May 20 approved variances for 130 North Eighth Avenue to allow reduced setbacks and to address an existing nonconformity in parking, with the board adding a condition that the renovation remain within the existing building footprint.

Applicant representatives Leonardo Ortiz and Timothy Whalen described the request as paperwork needed to reconcile a renovation and a prior conditional approval so the property could move forward with permits. “The request is to have the setback in order to validate 4 parking spaces that have been used by the property previous owners as part of the property,” Ortiz told the board, and the applicants introduced exhibits showing paved parking used historically behind the building.

Staff’s report recommended approval. During public comment, a nearby resident raised concerns about past uses, sewer connections and traffic; applicant representatives responded that the property can be served by the city sanitary system and that the owner will comply with all building and permitting requirements. One neighbor objected saying city parking is used in the area and visibility at the corner creates safety issues.

A board member moved to approve the variances based on substantial competent evidence, and after a short discussion the motion was amended to include the condition that work remain in the existing footprint. The amendment carried on a roll call (unanimous), and the final approval included a further condition — added during a later discussion on a related item — that the tenant/owner maintain parking spaces in the adjacent city right‑of‑way per staff recommendations; the applicant agreed to that condition.

The board’s action reconciles the building’s historic layout with current code requirements and will allow the owner to pursue renovation and conversion to a multifamily use under the conditions set by the board.