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Board grants wall and lot-size variances for Davie Boulevard redevelopment despite neighborhood objections
Summary
The Board of Adjustment approved three variances for a proposed single-family redevelopment on Davie Boulevard: allowing an early continuous privacy wall, accepting an 8-foot wall height measured from the existing sidewalk, and permitting smaller 50-foot lots than subdivision rules usually require.
Developer representatives asked the board for three variances tied to a proposed single-family layout on the Pino Del Rio (Whidden) parcel along Davie Boulevard:
1) Timing for a continuous privacy wall: the applicant asked to construct a uniform, stacked-stone privacy wall and landscape buffer before the principal single-family homes are built to avoid a piecemeal appearance along the corridor; staff and applicant said the wall is a permitted use but timing requires variance because accessory structures typically are built with principal structures.
2) Height measurement and relief: applicant requested an 8-foot privacy wall measured from the existing sidewalk elevation, arguing future house elevations will be raised by FEMA-related fill, and a 6-foot wall measured from today’s grade would appear small once homes are constructed; the board agreed to measure wall height from the sidewalk surface and granted a height variance to permit the 8-foot wall.
3) Lot-size and width relief: the applicant sought relief from subdivision regulations requiring 7,500 sq. ft. minimum and 75-foot minimum lot widths to allow lots as small as about 6,000 sq. ft. and widths of 50 feet for lots 1–30 (total proposed build of 31 homes). Several neighbors and a landscape architect testified in opposition, raising issues of tree loss, drainage and increased traffic. Attorney Jeffrey Shalek argued the 50-foot lots would increase density roughly 50 percent and challenged the claimed hardship; other longtime residents urged denial to protect canopy and existing character. The board heard sustained public comment.
After deliberation, the board approved the timing variance for the wall, the 8-foot height measurement (to be measured from the sidewalk surface), and the subdivision/lot-size relief allowing 50-foot lots for the portions of the site in question. Conditions and findings were recorded in motions as the board concluded the variances met criteria for relief, and staff clarified that drainage and tree permitting remain separate administrative processes (a tree removal permit had been issued and engineering review for on-site drainage will be required at building permit stage).
