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Zoning board grants variance for shed and carport at 2090 N. 19th Ave
Summary
The Pensacola Zoning Board of Adjustments approved variances allowing a reduced corner-yard setback and increased rear-yard coverage for a house at 2090 North 19th Avenue, after the homeowners said unpermitted work was discovered after purchase.
The Zoning Board of Adjustments granted a variance for 2090 North Nineteenth Avenue that reduces the required corner-yard setback from 15 feet to 6.8 feet and increases allowable rear-yard coverage from 25% to 33.5%.
Christopher Hill, the applicant and homeowner, told the board he and his spouse bought the house in December and were told by the seller that work on the property had been permitted. “We purchased the house back in December. We asked the owner if everything that they had done was up to code. They said, yes,” Hill said. He said a title search did not disclose the open code issues and that the city posted a notice after the title changed to the Hills’ name.
The board heard from staff that the carport and shed in question lack permits and that other work on the property — a pool, a porch and a 500-square-foot addition — either was never finally inspected or has open/expired permits. Staff said any necessary permits will be required retroactively and that unresolved violations could become a formal code case enforceable by fines and other remedies.
Board members discussed enforcement gaps and how the structures had been in place for about four years before being discovered. One board member said the responsibility for the situation “lies with the city” because the previous owner had been able to leave permits open or uninspected. The board noted that a variance does not remove the homeowners’ obligation to obtain required building permits or to correct noncompliant work.
The board moved and approved the variance after discussion. The chair announced the motion carried and that the variance was granted; the record does not include individual member vote names.
The decision allows the Hills to keep the existing carport and shed pending the retroactive permitting and inspections required by city staff. If the homeowners do not follow up, staff said the matter could become a code enforcement case with fines or liens.
