Plantation planning board continues setback waiver request for Ellsworth property to Feb. 4

The City of Plantation Planning and Zoning Board on Jan. 14 continued a request by homeowner Corey Ellsworth to Feb. 4 for a practical difficulty waiver that would reduce the required front setback from 30 feet to 15 feet at 6801 Northwest 5th Court to allow construction of a new garage facing Northwest 68th Avenue.

Ana Rossepo, Planner II for the City of Plantation, told the board the applicant originally sought relief both from the 30-foot front setback and from the city's lot‑coverage limit; revised calculations have resolved the lot‑coverage issue, leaving only the setback request. Rossepo said staff did not find special conditions particular to the land that would warrant the variance and noted potential traffic, safety and streetscape concerns from adding a second driveway on a corner lot.

Oscar Ramirez, the designer for the application, said the plans were revised so the parcel now complies with lot‑coverage rules and that the owner, Corey Ellsworth, needs space for a larger vehicle. "We did revise and we are in compliance with the lot coverage," Ramirez said, adding the proposed 22‑by‑29‑foot garage would match the existing house and would not require tree removal. The applicant's plans show portions of the proposed driveway do not meet the city's minimum driveway dimensions; staff noted a point where the driveway is 16 feet deep rather than the required 18 feet and where it encroaches on the sidewalk.

Board members and staff spent most of the hearing discussing whether other nearby homes have similar driveway/garage configurations and whether those examples meet setbacks or were permitted historically. Daniel Holmes, Planning, Zoning and Economic Development Director, said staff had not previously verified the addresses of photographs submitted by the applicant and requested the applicant provide the addresses so staff could research permitting history and setbacks on comparable properties. City Engineer Samira Shalan cautioned that shifting the proposed driveway could create sight‑distance issues and reminded the group of the city's 25‑by‑25 clear‑sight requirement at intersections.

A resident, Mrs. Greenstein of 591 Northwest 66th Avenue, testified during public comment that she has walked the street for 40 years and had not observed houses with two driveways in the immediate area. After discussion the board voted to continue the item to the Feb. 4 Planning & Zoning Board meeting at 6:00 p.m. in Plantation City Hall so staff could verify the comparable properties and return with permitting and setback information.

The continuation was approved by roll call: Miss Gelfond — yes; Mister Stahl — yes; Miss Demby Burger — yes; Mister Corman — yes; Mister Freeman — yes; Mister Goldstein — yes. No formal approval or denial of the variance was made; the board directed staff to research the examples shown by the applicant and to prepare additional information for the Feb. 4 meeting.