Tampa ARC denies variance for porte-cochere at 407 S. Delaware; approves revised house design

The Architectural Review Commission voted to deny a variance request that would have reduced the north side-yard setback for a porte‑cochere at 407 South Delaware Avenue and then approved a certificate of appropriateness for the project without the porte‑cochere.

The variance sought to reduce the north side-yard setback from 7 feet to 2 feet, with an additional 6‑inch encroachment for eaves and gutters, to preserve a porte‑cochere the applicant described as a character‑defining feature. Commissioners said the petitioner had not met the burden of proof that the hardship was not self‑created and voted to deny the variance. After the denial, the applicant removed the porte‑cochere from the plans and the commission approved the remaining design with conditions.

The project is new single‑family construction on a vacant, platted lot in the Hyde Park Historic District expansion area. Applicant agent Kareem Taheri presented plans and the six‑point variance justification, telling the commission the porte‑cochere was “an integral part of this design” and that locating it as shown…