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Wellington board approves 25-foot front-setback variance for Greenbrier hangar
Summary
The Planning & Zoning Adjustment Board approved a variance to allow an airplane hangar to be built 25 feet from Greenbrier Boulevard at 2420 Greenbrier, after hearing applicant, staff and neighbors. The request drew questions about HOA approval and front-yard hangars, but the board voted to approve the variance.
The Planning & Zoning Adjustment Board voted to approve a variance allowing a 25-foot front setback for an airplane hangar at 2420 Greenbrier Boulevard, the board heard at its Jan. 15 meeting.
The variance reduces the required 50-foot front setback to 25 feet so the applicant can construct a hangar attached to an existing residence. John Schmidt, agent for the applicants, said the revised plan pulled the building back 5 feet from a similar 2022 application and removed a garage door facing Greenbrier to give the structure a more residential appearance. “We have met variance standards A through G, as confirmed by Wellington’s professional planning staff,” Schmidt said.
Why it matters: The neighborhood is a fly‑in community where many lots have hangars and taxiway access; the applicant’s presentation argued that more than half of the properties fronting Greenbrier already fail to meet the 50‑foot setback and that the lot’s unusual geometry and taxiway cul‑de‑sac create a practical hardship.
What staff and neighbors said: Kelly Ferriolo of planning and zoning described the site and said the lot was purchased in 2014 and a prior hangar variance was denied in 2022. Ferrioli noted changes since the runway was paved in 2012, increasing the size of aircraft tenants want. Doug Matthews, president of the Aero Club homeowners association (HOA), told the board the HOA’s declarations prohibit hangars in the front yard and said the ARC’s earlier approval had been rescinded: “The ARC approval that was previously issued … was reversed. There is no ARC approval.”
Several neighbors and community members spoke both for and against the variance. Jim Ward and Peter Foote said the hangar would be consistent with other nearby properties; Marissa Starrett and an HOA representative said prior review had warned owners that lot siting would limit hangar size and placement and argued the HOA covenants prohibit a front‑yard hangar.
Ex parte and background: Board members performed sworn ex parte disclosures at the start of the hearing; several members reported site visits and conversations with applicant representatives but stated they could be impartial. The applicant submitted letters of neighbor support and an Aero Club ARC approval dated Aug. 23, 2024; the board was also shown a January 13, 2025, letter from the Aero Club property manager opposing the proposal, which prompted questions about process and notice.
Board action and outcome: After public comment and applicant rebuttal, a motion to approve petition 2024-001 (resolution PZABR2025‑1) carried unanimously. The motion recommended approval of the front‑setback variance to allow a 25‑foot front setback for the hangar. The transcript records the board announcing the motion carried unanimously; a numerical roll‑call tally was not specified in the meeting record.
What’s next: Staff will process the approvals and any required building permits; the applicant acknowledged it must still obtain HOA sign‑off and that the HOA retains authority to enforce its covenants if construction proceeds without HOA approval.
