Jacksonville Beach Board of Adjustments approves five variances, defers pool setback case

The Jacksonville Beach Board of Adjustments on Tuesday approved variance requests for five properties across the city and deferred a sixth case so the applicant could meet with city staff to resolve questions about a tree and a public‑works easement.

The board approved variances that adjust front, side and rear setbacks, reduce required on‑site parking in one multifamily conversion, and permit a small garage addition. In each case, board members said they were balancing preexisting, nonconforming lot conditions and neighborhood testimony in deciding whether the requests met the Land Development Code variance criteria.

At 4086 Seaside Drive East, applicant Michael Roop told the board the lot is “a lot smaller for our location” and that he and Amy Divido were seeking extra space to build “like a 35 by 18 size pool” (Michael Roop). Roop and Divido cited a building restriction line, a tree in a public‑works easement and neighbors’ recent pool installations. After questioning from board members and staff about whether a pool could be accommodated within a five‑foot setback and whether public‑works permits would be required,…