Board of Adjustment approves accessory dwelling at Sandra Drive citing flood-zone constraints

The Escambia County Board of Adjustment on Aug. 20 approved a conditional use allowing an accessory dwelling at 1805 Sandra Drive, voting unanimously 4-0 to adopt staff findings and grant the application.

Staff told the board the applicant seeks approval to build an accessory dwelling on a 0.56–0.57 acre lot; accessory dwellings on parcels under 1 acre require conditional‑use approval. The site plan shows the proposed dwelling situated behind the main house, roughly 20 feet from the side property line and 30 feet from the rear property line. Staff recommended approval, saying the proposed 1,156‑square‑foot dwelling would be compatible with nearby properties and that utilities and septic approvals would be required through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and other providers.

The applicant, Kate Elizabeth Newkirk, told the board the property originally comprised two lots but cannot be subdivided now because of its shape and flood‑zone constraints. "The footprint of this building is just a little over 700 square feet with an upstairs extra bedroom and a loft," Newkirk said, explaining she wants the unit for a child and her family who will return from overseas service. Newkirk said the accessory unit will sit out of the flood zone on the higher portion of the lot.

Staff noted other conditions will be enforced at the development‑review stage, including setbacks, drainage and screening per the county Land Development Code; the accessory dwelling will also be subject to septic approval by FDEP. The chair then called for a motion to adopt staff findings; the board approved the motion by voice vote, 4-0.

The decision is final unless appealed to a court of competent jurisdiction within 30 days of the BOA action. Permits and confirmation of site‑plan compliance will be required through the development review process before construction may begin.