Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning Variance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Gulfcovery seeks variances to rebuild home at 623 Harvard Street in Port St. Joe
Summary
Gulfcovery Recovery Team requested multiple special exceptions so a demolished dwelling at 623 Harvard Street can be replaced in the same footprint and a second primary structure allowed on the lot; planning staff outlined three setback variances needed and the board approved the request by voice vote.
Michael Boyle, board chair of the Gulfcovery recovery team, told the Port St. Joe planning board that his organization is requesting special exceptions so Cheryl Pryor can rebuild at 623 Harvard Street and to allow two primary structures on the lot. "We make brand new homes from the ground up," Boyle said, describing the group's volunteer-led housing and repair work in North Port St. Joe.
Planning staff explained the parcel is a nonconforming lot with two existing homes and that the project will require multiple variances. An unnamed staff member summarized the board-level approvals needed: "we need the blessing of the board for a density to go from 1 to 2, a special exception for the front setback of 20 feet, special exception 10 feet on the side, and 15 feet on the rear." The staff explanation described the specific reductions as a front setback from 20 feet to 0, a side setback from 15 feet to 5, and a rear setback from 20 feet to 5.
Board members and staff said the proposal seeks to rebuild one structure in its existing footprint and add an allowed replacement on the same lot; April from the building department confirmed there are already two homes on the property and that "they are gonna tear down 1 and rebuild in the same area." During discussion, one board member cautioned against creating an open precedent, saying he did not want to open a "Pandora's box." The board nevertheless proceeded with a motion to approve the exceptions "as presented." The motion was seconded, followed by a voice vote; the record reflects verbal assent and closure of the item.
Boyle said, if the exceptions are granted, the rebuild is planned for March and will be part of a larger volunteer effort that he said will include about 500 Auburn University volunteers and other partners. "They're gonna be doing a beautification project," Boyle said, inviting board members and the public to observe the work.
The board did not record a roll-call vote for the variances in the transcript; the action was taken by motion and voice vote. The planning board moved on after approving the request and did not attach conditions on the record at the time of the meeting.
Next steps: the applicant may proceed with permits and building preparations consistent with the granted exceptions and with any inspections or permitting steps required by the building department.
