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Board permits larger accessory dwelling unit in Crystal Beach after hurricane damage
Summary
The Board of Adjustment and Appeals granted a variance to allow a 991 sq ft elevated accessory dwelling unit at 520 Indiana Ave in Crystal Beach, exceeding the 750 sq ft limit for properties in coastal storm or flood hazard areas; the approval included conditions that the lanai and ground floor remain unenclosed.
On Aug. 6 the Pinellas County Board of Adjustment and Appeals approved VAR-25-06, allowing a 991-square-foot detached accessory dwelling unit at 520 Indiana Avenue in Crystal Beach, which exceeds the 750-square-foot limit applicable to properties in the county's coastal storm or flood-hazard area.
Planning staff said the subject house was built in 1925 and was significantly damaged by the 2024 hurricanes; the proposal would demolish a slab-built addition and construct an elevated ADU totaling 991 square feet (808 square feet of conditioned space plus a 183-square-foot covered lanai). Staff recommended conditional approval and specified that the 183-square-foot lanai must remain unenclosed and the ground-floor area must remain unenclosed and used only for storage.
Amanda Nalwes, who identified herself as the property owner at 520 Indiana Avenue, said the demolished portion had contained a bedroom, bathroom and family room and described the original bungalow as "livable," noting the plan replaces the damaged slab-built addition and raises living spaces to address flooding. No public opposition was recorded. Mr. Baumstein moved to approve the staff recommendation; Mr. Bello seconded. The board approved the variance (vote recorded in the transcript as passing by the board).
The approval is conditional on permits and fees and on maintaining the lanai and ground floor unenclosed as described. The applicant must complete permitting and comply with county ADU and flood-hazard requirements before occupancy.
