Board approves code changes to allow accessory structures nearer to corner lots, adds screening requirement

The Planning and Advisory Board voted to advance code revisions that would allow permanent accessory structures — such as sheds and gazebos — to be placed closer to the street on corner lots (the "second front yard") while preserving size and setback limits and requiring additional screening in some cases.

Staff explained the change as a "housekeeping" item to reduce repetitive requests to the board of adjustment and to provide clearer standards for corner-lot property owners. "What we want to do is open that up so they can put a shed out there," staff said, noting that the code will continue to require engineering and building permits for permanent structures to meet Florida building-code uplift standards. Staff also stressed that temporary, small accessory items below the permit threshold (15 square feet per policy) would remain easier to manage.

Residents who live on corner lots offered mixed views: some said allowing sheds would improve storage and property usability; others worried about neighbors seeing the structures from their front yards. Board members proposed adding screening (fencing or landscape buffers) to reduce negative visual impacts, especially where boats or RVs are visible. The board approved the accessory-structure change with an amendment to require screening consistent with other parts of the code.

The board also reviewed verbiage related to corner-lot fence setbacks, agreeing to allow fences closer to the property line in many cases (grandfathering existing fences) to reduce nonconforming situations; the board voted to move those changes forward as well. The items will be placed on the city-council agenda for formal ordinance action.