Planning board recommends allowing accessory structures on corner lots with screening requirements

The Planning and Advisory Board voted to recommend amendments to the city code that would allow certain permanent accessory structures to be sited in a defined second front‑yard area on corner lots, subject to setback, size and permitting requirements and required screening or landscape buffers.

Staff explained the draft will permit accessory structures (enclosed sheds, gazebos, small permanent structures) closer to the secondary street on corner lots than current code allows, while keeping foundation, engineering and permitting requirements so permanent structures meet Florida building code wind/uplift standards. The change aims to reduce repetitive requests to the Board of Adjustment (BOA) for minor variances and to make the code consistent with existing neighborhood practices.

Board members debated visual impacts and whether neighbors across a secondary street could be forced to look at a structure; several members suggested adding required screening or landscape buffers. Resident Diane Douglas said a well‑constructed shed can be an improvement over cluttered backyards and may benefit neighbors. The board moved to recommend the accessory‑structure revisions with an added requirement for screening/buffering consistent with other code sections; the motion passed on roll call.

The draft also clarifies permit thresholds and minimum setbacks for enclosed accessory structures (e.g., up to 100 square feet has standard 5‑foot rear setbacks; larger enclosed structures have larger setbacks and additional requirements). Staff noted permanent accessory structures require professional design and permit sign‑offs; small temporary structures below the threshold remain subject to separate rules.

Next steps: the PAB recommendation will be forwarded to council with staff’s draft language and suggested screening language.