Venice preservation board approves 3‑story mixed‑use building at 256 Nokomis Ave S with remaining design details for staff review

The Venice Historic and Architectural Preservation Board voted unanimously Nov. 13 to approve application PLR25193, a proposed three‑story mixed‑use building at 256 Nokomis Avenue South in the Venetian Theme Architectural Control District. The board closed the continued quasi‑judicial hearing and authorized staff to handle remaining design issues in consultation with the chair.

Britney Smith, city planner, clarified code language during the hearing: "the code reads... a maximum of 10% of wall area of the front elevation can be" other materials, which staff said makes the 10% allowance optional rather than a mandatory condition. That clarification framed much of the board's review of façade materials and trim.

The applicant described changes made since earlier hearings, including recessed balconies to reduce perceived massing…