Historic Preservation Board recommends city commission approve 10-year ad valorem tax exemption for renovated Marina District home

The Delray Beach Historic Preservation Board voted to recommend that the City Commission approve an ad valorem tax exemption for property improvements at 300 Southeast Seventh Avenue in the Marina Historic District.

Principal planner Michelle Hoyland presented staff findings that the property, a 1957 house associated with the Blank family nurseries, had received a certificate of occupancy after a rear addition of about 2,100–2,200 square feet. Hoyland said Florida statutes provide the tax-exemption framework and that the exemption—if approved by the city commission and Palm Beach County—would protect the owner from increased property taxes tied to the addition for 10 years.

Owner Robert (Bob) Cuban told the board he and his wife, Lisa, have owned the house for 22 years, described the work to restore the house’s masonry‑vernacular character and explained the rear addition contains a garage and a guest unit above. Cuban said the addition was designed and executed to keep the second story invisible from the public right-of-way and to maintain the front façade’s original appearance.

Staff described the review history: a 2020 COA for the addition with later revisions in 2021, administrative review of building permits and that the project received a certificate of occupancy in May. Hoyland explained the board’s recommendation is the required step before the city forwards the application to the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners for final approval.

A motion to recommend approval was made and seconded; the board approved the recommendation by roll call. The transcript records the roll call majority voting in the affirmative with one member absent. Staff noted the exemption carries a covenant requiring maintenance of the approved improvements for 10 years; if an owner removes the qualifying addition during that period the exemption can be revoked and tax savings reclaimed by the county and city.

The board’s recommendation will be placed on a future City Commission agenda for final city action. If the commission approves the exemption, the county will make the ultimate determination and implement the 10‑year tax‑exemption benefit under Florida law.