Jacksonville Beach Board of Adjustments denies two lot‑split variance requests, approves others

The Jacksonville Beach Board of Adjustments considered six variance requests and several public comments, denying two contested lot‑split proposals on South 30th Avenue while approving variances for renovations, a two‑townhome project and a pergola.

The board unanimously approved a variance for 1601 North 6th Avenue that allows a second‑story addition and a small front portico. Agent John Raymer said the work remains within the existing building envelope and that the proposed porch would extend about "3 feet further than it is now." No members of the public spoke on that item; the board found the application met the standards in section 34‑286 of the Land Development Code and voted to approve.

Two linked cases for 123 South 30th Avenue drew the meeting’s most heated discussion. Applicant Nick Stam said he had purchased a house that sat on two platted lots and planned to raise and replace it with two single‑family homes, describing each lot as roughly 58 by 87 feet (~5,000 sq ft). Neighbors, including Harry B. Williams, urged denial,…