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Board grants finished‑floor elevation variance at 123 SW 68th Ave for carport conversion
Summary
The board approved a variance allowing a finished‑floor elevation of 12.24 inches instead of the 18‑inch requirement for a carport conversion and addition at 123 SW 68th Ave, citing the property’s age and accessibility considerations. Staff noted the property is outside a designated flood zone and emphasized that building permits and landscaping corrections remain required.
The Pembroke Pines Board of Adjustment approved a variance to permit a reduced finished‑floor elevation for a carport conversion and home addition at 123 Southwest 68th Avenue.
Staff presented CVR2025-0041, explaining that code compliance had cited the property for work without permits (case 230702833) and that a building permit application (RA25-02898) for the proposed work is on file. The request asks to allow a finished‑floor elevation of 12.24 inches above the highest crown of the adjacent street instead of the 18 inches required by the city's land development code.
Staff noted the house is in an older section of Pembroke Pines with original construction dating to the 1950s–1960s and said the property is not in a designated flood zone. The staff memo and applicant materials argued that raising the addition to meet the modern 18‑inch requirement would create an impractical step differential and reduce interior ceiling heights, requiring large demolition and structural changes.
Silvio Moraira, speaking for the owners, said the request is made to preserve safe access to the home for a resident with knee problems who uses a walker or wheelchair. "We want to keep it at the same level for the house for her to use the walker or the wheelchair," Moraira said.
Board members asked clarifying questions about flooding history and inspections; staff said landscape requirements will be enforced at final inspection. Member Pitts moved to approve the variance to allow 12.24 inches instead of 18 inches (Section 155.301 variance 1). The motion was seconded; roll call votes were recorded as yes by the members present and the motion passed.
Staff reminded the applicants that any exterior, structural, or tree work still requires building and zoning permits and final inspections. The board approved the petition and will issue a written decision to the applicants.
