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Board grants rear‑yard setback variance for screened lanai in Punta Gorda
Summary
The Board of Zoning Appeals approved VAR‑26‑003, allowing Stephen and Deborah Bland to reduce a 20‑foot rear‑yard setback to 9 feet to add a screened lanai at 604 Hawaii Court, citing unique lot shape, a submerged rear area, and health‑related hardship claims; conditions limit enclosure type and design.
On Feb. 11 the Charlotte County Board of Zoning Appeals approved Variance VAR‑26‑003 to allow Stephen and Deborah Bland to construct a screened lanai that would reduce the required 20‑foot rear‑yard setback to 9 feet at 604 Hawaii Court in Punta Gorda.
Senior planner Elizabeth Nowcek presented staff’s analysis, saying the lot’s hammerhead‑style cul‑de‑sac, an irregular front property line and a rear boundary partially submerged in a canal reduce developable depth and create unique circumstances. Nowcek said the applicants reported health conditions worsened by sun and heat and that photographs and letters from adjacent neighbors showed support.
Staff recommended approval with conditions that the lanai match the existing roof, remain a screened enclosure (not enclosed with opaque walls), apply only to the lanai shown in the submitted documents, and expire if the lanai is removed (with a natural‑disaster exception). The applicants spoke in support, telling the board the addition would let them spend time outdoors and that neighbors had not objected.
A board member moved to approve VAR‑26‑003 based on the Community Development Department staff report dated Feb. 4, 2026, with the four staff conditions; the motion was seconded and the board voted unanimously in favor. The chair congratulated the applicants.
