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Board approves setback variance to preserve historic house at 24 McCarris
Summary
The Planning and Zoning Board approved a rear‑setback variance tied to a HARB‑approved site plan to move and attach a garage at 24 McCarris, a decision the board said preserves the streetscape and mature trees.
The St. Augustine Planning and Zoning Board approved a variance that will allow owners at 24 McCarris to attach a new garage and relocate part of a historic house within the lot, reducing the rear setback from 20 feet to 8.75 feet.
Attorney James Whitehouse, representing the owners, said the plan—already approved by the Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB)—saves the historic structure and preserves the streetscape by placing the garage at the rear rather than altering the front elevation. "Saving the structure requires the rear setback variance to attach the garage as part of the back of the house," Whitehouse told the board, noting HARB’s order and site plan were in the packet.
Staff advised the board that the request meets variance criteria given the historic preservation rationale and the provided site plan. Board members cited site visits and said the plan better protects large live oaks on the adjacent half lot and maintains the historic street appearance. At the motion to approve, members specified the variance approval is tied to the site plan and HARB conditions. The motion passed on a roll call vote; staff reminded the applicants that building permits and other required approvals remain outstanding before construction may begin.
Speakers quoted or relied on in this article: James Whitehouse (attorney); board members (various); planning staff.
