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Board approves front-yard setback and driveway-gate variances for two Midway properties on Bird Avenue
Summary
The Board approved front-yard setback and modest height variances for fences and driveway gates at two adjacent properties on Bird Avenue (2581 and 2591), after staff said traffic engineering raised no visibility concerns and neighbors indicated support.
The Seminole County Board of Adjustment approved variances for front-yard fences and driveway gates for two adjacent properties in the Stevens Addition to Midway subdivision: 2581 and 2591 Bird Avenue.
For 2581 Bird Avenue, staff described a request for a front-yard setback variance from 25 feet to 4 feet for an open picket aluminum fence (6 feet tall) and matching double-driveway gates that peak at 7 feet above grade. Traffic engineering had no objection to site visibility. The board approved the request after staff and the applicant answered questions.
For the neighboring property at 2591 Bird Avenue (a corner lot, treated as having two front yards), staff said the applicant sought a front-yard setback variance from 25 feet to 4 feet for a 6-foot-tall chain-link fence; traffic engineering likewise had no visibility concerns. The applicant, Timothy D. Hudson Sr., told the board he grew up in the neighborhood, owns both parcels (2591 and 2581), and that the gates/fences were intended to limit pedestrian cutting across yards and to provide security for his elderly mother who lives at 2581. He said, “My mom is 82... I want her to be comfortable,” and described replacing a 55-year-old, dilapidated fence with new chain link ironwork.
Board members asked about drainage and access. Staff said a drainage swale along the Granby Street side makes the side access more appropriate for maintenance rather than primary vehicular access; the double gates on the front would provide primary access. Both variance requests were approved with motions from board members and no recorded opposition in the public record.
Traffic engineering clearances and letters of neighbor support were noted in staff reports for both properties. Staff also confirmed that the corner-lot rules mean the Granby Street side of 2591 did not require a variance while the Bird-facing sides did.
The approvals allow property owners to install the specified fences and gates subject to building-permit approval and any standard permit conditions.
