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Board approves keeping driveway at 702 Passagrille Way with south‑side buffer
Summary
The St. Pete Beach Board of Adjustment approved a variance allowing the existing curb cut and driveway at 702 Passagrille Way to remain as the primary access rather than forcing alley access upon redevelopment, with a condition requiring a landscaped or similar buffer along the southern property line.
The St. Pete Beach Board of Adjustment on Jan. 28 approved a variance to allow the existing driveway at 702 Passagrille Way to remain the primary vehicle access, subject to a permanent buffer (landscape, fence or wall) on the property's south side.
City planner Brandon Berry told the board the request is an "unnecessary and undue hardship" variance tied to unique site conditions at the parcel, including a 10‑foot platted alley that, in places, offers only nine feet of usable width and contains poles and utility encumbrances. "Staff finds use of the alleyway for primary ingress and egress likely provides an unsafe condition," Berry said, and recommended conditions including a three‑foot landscaping buffer and possible right‑turn signage if supported by a traffic analysis.
Applicant owner Brandon Tecklenberg and attorney Angela Covington said the request relates only to vehicular access and not density or use. "Not a request for increased density, new use, or preferential treatment," Covington said, describing the variance as driven by parcel‑specific constraints. Tecklenberg showed video and photos of the alley, arguing it is too narrow and obstructed for safe primary access and noting the driveway has existed for decades. "I'm here today just to be able to keep our driveway as primary," he said.
Public comment was mixed. Nearby business owners including Eric Abel of La Tortuga and several residents supported retaining the front driveway, calling the alley unsafe and difficult to use. Other neighbors urged denial, saying rezoning in 2018 created the current situation and warning that approval could set a precedent and worsen parking pressures in the neighborhood.
After questioning from board members about pending site plans and whether the driveway could legally remain until redevelopment, one commissioner moved to approve maintaining the existing drive (no expansion) with the condition that a continuous buffer (landscape/fence/wall) be maintained along the southern property line. A second followed and the motion passed on roll call.
The approval carries standard conditions: the variance takes effect upon redevelopment and must be reflected on an approved site plan; the board and staff will require any agreed traffic‑safety measures at the time of site‑plan issuance, and the buffer must be installed/maintained as a condition of future certificate of occupancy.
The board moved to its next case after the vote.
