Board approves variance allowing mini‑split AC units on front facade in Cresthaven corner lot

The Zoning Board of Appeals on May 15 granted a variance to allow mini‑split outdoor condenser units to be located on the front‑facing façade of a home at 2648 Northeast Fifteenth Terrace, a corner lot in the Cresthaven neighborhood, after the applicant and staff presented hardship and mitigation measures.

Applicant Brian Thanos said the existing house could not accommodate central ducted air because there is no attic access; replacing window units with mini‑split systems reduced visual impacts and improved efficiency. "The unit is completely concealed by the hedge," Thanos said, explaining that relocating the unit to the side yard would crowd existing mechanical equipment and increase noise and costs.

Scott Reale told the board the property had been annexed into Pompano Beach and that the irregular orientation of the dwelling makes locating mechanical equipment in code‑compliant locations difficult. Staff recommended approval with conditions including obtaining required permits, limiting relief to the illustrated unit location and preserving or replacing vegetation screening per section 155‑5301(a).

Board members asked about landscaping durability and screening; one board member suggested more resilient plantings than ficus. The board voted to find competent substantial evidence and approved the variance, with conditions that require permits and screening to be maintained or replaced if damaged.

Code Compliance staff confirmed an existing open case related to the AC and said granting the variance would allow permitting to cure the violation.