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Board grants variance to widen garage in Port Charlotte citing applicant need
Summary
The board approved a variance allowing a garage expansion that reduces the east side yard setback from 7.5 feet to 3 feet at 2284 Hayworth Road, after the applicant demonstrated accessibility needs and supplied a neighbor letter of no objection.
The Charlotte County Board of Zoning Appeals on April 9 approved VAR-25-004, allowing the applicants (Steve and Jackawanna Minton) to reduce the required 7.5-foot east side-yard setback by 4.5 feet, resulting in a 3-foot east side-yard setback for a garage expansion at 2284 Hayworth Road in Port Charlotte.
Staff presented the variance request and noted the lot is a legally nonconforming parcel of 9,375 square feet. Staff outlined the five variance criteria, acknowledged that some conditions giving rise to the request were created by the current applicants (they purchased the property in 2024) and noted there were concerns about the extent of the encroachment. Staff recommended conditions if approved.
Diana Gillis (representing the applicants) told the board the expansion is intended to accommodate the owner’s vehicle and that the owner is a disabled veteran with progressive health needs, which counselled a larger garage to allow accessible movement with vehicle doors open. Gillis said the adjacent neighbor had no objection. The board considered photographic evidence and staff findings and moved to approve the variance with the recommended conditions. The motion passed.
Conditions included limiting the variance to the existing attached garage as shown in documents and an expiration clause if the garage is removed or replaced.
