Planning board approves reduced rear setback for Lot 18; limits lot‑coverage increase to 36.5%

The Miami Lakes Planning and Zoning Board voted to approve a rear‑setback variance for Lot 18 in the Palma Del Lago subdivision and limited approval of lot‑coverage relief to 36.5 percent, rather than the larger lot‑coverage figures the applicant initially described.

Planning staff described two variance requests: a rear setback of 17 feet where the code normally requires 25 feet, and a lot‑coverage request that staff said appeared as either 36.5 percent or as high as about 42.4 percent depending on the house model. Staff recommended approval of the setback variance and denial of the larger lot‑coverage increase. Justin Telleria, planning and transportation staff, explained the lot is smaller and irregular and that most of the encroachment affects a covered loggia or terrace rather than a major habitable mass.

GT Homes was represented by attorney and agent Melissa Tapinez and colleague Ben Sherry. Tapinez described Lot 18 as the smallest in the approved 37‑lot Palma Del Lago subdivision and said erosion along the lake has reduced lot depth, creating practical difficulty for placing a home of the quality the applicant intends. She told the board that one of the contested models (Casa Dorado) created the largest lot‑coverage numbers and that the applicant was willing to withdraw the larger Dorado model from consideration for this lot if that would address board concerns.

After discussion, a motion was made to approve the rear setback variance as requested and to approve only a 36.5 percent lot‑coverage variance (not the larger 42‑plus percent request). The motion was described on the record as being made by (Telegierra) and seconded by (Launcio); the roll call recorded board members voting yes: Cruz; Julia; De La Sierra; Vice Chair Senra; and Chairman Leoncio. Staff will confirm exact lot‑coverage figures at permitting and the applicant will proceed with final models consistent with the approved variances.

Board members said the setback variance was straightforward given the lot’s irregular shape and erosion, while lot coverage required more scrutiny because a different house model was a design choice rather than a condition created by the lot’s geometry. The board and applicant discussed community continuity, the prior 2023 site‑plan approval for the subdivision, and whether buyers’ demand for larger homes justified any additional lot‑coverage relief.

The board’s approval allows the developer to proceed with the Casa Sol model adapted to the approved setbacks and coverage; the applicant withdrew or agreed to withdraw the larger Casa Dorado model for this lot to avoid a more substantial lot‑coverage variance.

The motion passed on a roll call vote with all members recorded as yes.