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Planning board roundup: retaining-wall variance approved; docks and other applications cleared; rezoning request denied
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Summary
At its April hearing the PZB approved a retaining-wall setback variance at 15 Avista Circle, approved two dock projects and multiple conservation-overlay tree proposals (with conditions), continued several contested items to May 5, and denied a land‑use rezoning request at 19 East San Carlos Avenue.
The St. Augustine Planning & Zoning Board handled a full agenda of variances, use requests and conservation-overlay matters at its April meeting, approving several projects while postponing others for more information.
Key votes and motions: the board approved a variance at 15 Avista Circle that lets the owner elevate and retain an existing garage with proposed retaining walls 1 foot from the side lot line; staff cited a floodplain/coordinator letter and the board found the proposal met Section 28‑29 criteria.
The board approved a long-permitted dock proposal on East San Carlos Avenue after the applicant agreed to a condition requiring public‑works confirmation of a stormwater outfall and a licensed land surveyor to stake and certify the right‑of‑way corners; an as‑built survey will be required. The board also reauthorized a previously approved dock modification at 117 Inlet Drive with a minor deck change between two parallel boat lifts.
At the Pantano subdivision the board approved additional tree‑removal requests at 902 Pantano Drive (Lot 107) and approved a related application at 1017 Pantano with a specific condition allowing the applicant to shift the house placement to try to save a 38‑inch live oak in exchange for removing certain smaller trees if the oak can be preserved.
The board continued several items to May 5, notably a variance request to allow an RV‑covering carport at 28 Montrano (applicant requested more evidence to meet the variance criteria) and a high-profile tree-removal application at East Park Avenue after robust public comment. The board denied a requested future‑land‑use map amendment and rezoning request for 19 East San Carlos Avenue, finding the lot size did not meet the RG‑1 standard and that approval would create a small noncontiguous 'island' of higher-intensity zoning.
Most approvals include the caveat that applicants must complete building permits, additional department reviews and any required mitigation; planning staff reminded applicants about phishing scams and permit steps.
