Planning board approves setback variance to allow garage addition for golf-cart parking in Willow Greens

The Boca Raton Planning and Zoning Board granted a variance 5-0 to allow a reduced side setback for an addition at 6095 Northwest 20 Third Avenue so the homeowner can enclose golf-cart parking.

Staff presented the request as a variance from the development parameters in the Willow Greens planned unit development (PUD), Resolution No. 24-87. Tory Boone, the city’s zoning manager, said the lot is irregularly shaped and that the proposed garage extension would encroach 1 foot 3 inches into the required 10-foot side setback, resulting in an 8-foot 9-inch setback on the north side.

Boone told the board staff found the variance reasonable because the irregular lot shape limits feasible locations for the addition, the proposal is the minimum change necessary, it complies with homeowner association rules that prohibit driveway golf-cart parking, and there are no fire-department concerns about reduced building separation. Staff recommended approval with a condition that the addition’s roofline connect seamlessly to the existing garage roofline, subject to homeowner association approval.

Applicant Alan Ratavia (who spoke at the hearing) thanked the board and staff for their assistance. No neighbors registered opposition during the public hearing.

Board members moved to approve the variance (agenda item 6a); Jamie called the roll and the vote was recorded as five affirmative votes from Mr. Morgan, Mr. Dornblazer, Ms. McDermott, Ms. Ritchie and Chair Seville. The motion passed 5-0.

The variance applies only to the specific addition described in the application; no other development parameter changes were made. Staff noted the property was built in 1989 and that most other lots in Willow Greens are rectangular; the applicant’s lot is one of the few irregular parcels in the subdivision.