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Planning board recommends approval of setback variance at 122 East Main Street
Summary
The Planning and Zoning Advisory Board voted to recommend that City Council approve Resolution 2025-05, a variance to allow zero-foot side and rear setbacks at 122 East Main Street for a mixed-use development. City staff recommended approval; the matter now goes to council for final action and ordinance recording.
The City of Tavares Planning and Zoning Advisory Board moved to recommend approval of Resolution 2025-05, a request to reduce side and rear yard setbacks for a proposed mixed-use building at 122 East Main Street.
City staff told the board the site sits directly adjacent to Main Street and near Ruby Street and Rockingham, where several existing buildings — including City Hall and O'Keefe Irish Pub — already have zero setbacks. The proposed design places a sidewalk along the zero-setback line with commercial space on the first floor and residential units above.
Staff recommended approval. Ted Wicks, an engineer with Wicks Engineering who identified himself as representing the project applicant, said the design evolved while trying to meet desired densities and that the team chose the variance route so the project could provide the planned program and street-facing design. "I think it will definitely change what your downtown looks like once we're finished," Wicks said. Board members raised questions about retail versus office uses on the ground floor; Wicks said the design is intended to accommodate small retail or a coffee shop but that the team has avoided full food-service operations because of construction and compatibility concerns.
Board members also asked about height and airport flight paths. Bob Tweedy, economic development director for the City of Tavares, said the property's zoning allows greater height — up to eight stories and roughly 80 feet in that zoning designation — and that the proposed four‑story portion facing Ruby Street falls outside FAA/FDOT protected surfaces for the nearby visual runway. "There will be no effect," Tweedy said when asked whether the taller building would interfere with the airport.
Several board members discussed whether the city should amend its land‑development regulations to allow zero setbacks more broadly in the downtown entertainment district rather than handling each case with individual variances. Staff and members said such a legislative change would require city council action and a formal amendment to the development regulations.
After discussion, a motion to recommend approval of Resolution 2025-05 was made and seconded; members voted in favor by voice. The board's action is a recommendation to City Council, which must adopt the final ordinance and complete site‑plan review before construction can proceed. The applicant remains under review for final site‑plan and architectural comments from staff.
