HPB denies garage-apartment and cabana at 734 Ardmore Road after neighbors cite scale and privacy concerns

The West Palm Beach Historic Preservation Board on Dec. 9 denied application 25-80 for a second‑story garage apartment (268 sq ft) above an existing garage and a 300‑sq‑ft pool cabana at 734 Ardmore Road.

Architect David Lawrence presented the revised proposal; staff recommended approval with conditions tied to cabana height and building separation if the variance elements were met. Multiple neighbors — including Stephanie Smith (746 Ardmore) and Nancy Vergadamo (730 Ardmore) — testified in opposition during the public comment period. Smith said prior construction had filled her side yard “4 feet,” raised sightlines and that adding a second story would be out of scale with the street. Vergadamo alleged that a landscaper hired by the owner had removed plantings and that proposed 36‑inch hedges would not restore privacy.

The architect disputed the claim that removals were arbitrary and said Florida Power & Light required some tree work; he offered to increase screening height. Nevertheless, board members concluded the application failed to meet the standards cited in the staff report — particularly compatibility and the Secretary of the Interior standards — and voted to deny.

The board’s motion to deny cited the testimony presented and the staff analysis, noting that competent substantial evidence in the record did not support a finding that the project satisfied the applicable code sections and Secretary of the Interior standards. The denial is a final board action from this meeting; the applicant may seek to revise and reapply or pursue other administrative remedies under city procedures.