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Zoning board grants variance for larger metal garage at 1622 E. Marino Street
Summary
The Pensacola Zoning Board of Adjustments voted 7–1 to grant a variance allowing a homeowner at 1622 East Marino Street to increase rear-yard coverage from 25% to 35% to build a wider metal two-car garage.
The Pensacola Zoning Board of Adjustments on an undisclosed date granted a variance allowing a homeowner at 1622 East Marino Street to increase rear-yard coverage from 25 percent (351 square feet) to 35 percent (484 square feet) so the owner can replace a small existing garage with a wider metal two-car garage.
The variance was requested to provide better vehicle access and additional privacy; the board approved the request by a 7–1 vote. The board’s rules require five favorable votes for a variance to be granted.
Applicant Mark told the board he moved to Pensacola recently and that the existing garage was overgrown and difficult to use. He said replacing the structure “would allow me to put a wider structure… and get an actual, wider 2 car garage door and be able to place both vehicles in the garage and then… close it up for privacy reasons.” He also said he works for the federal government and has suppression protections tied to his address, which factored into his privacy concerns.
Board members asked about site details. One member noted the side setback and reminded the applicant that side yards must meet the code’s three-foot minimum; Mark said the existing structure sits at about 2.9 feet and that it is grandfathered. The applicant confirmed the new garage would be the same height as the existing building, under 14 feet. Staff said there were no audience speakers in opposition, and no drainage problems were reported at the site.
During discussion a board member said the requested expansion appeared to be the smallest change needed to meet the applicant’s goals, describing it as “probably asking for the absolute minimum for that size garage” to address maneuverability. After a motion and an unnamed second, the board voted to grant the variance 7–1.
The board recorded the action as an approval of the variance request for ZBA2024-001. The motion and second were entered on the record but the transcript did not identify the individual members who moved or seconded the motion. The legal threshold of five favorable votes was met.
