Board approves emergency‑egress stair variances for Corinthian Condominium after staff corrects setback figures

The Miami Beach Board of Adjustment approved variances April 10 to allow installation of an emergency egress stair at the Corinthian Condominium on Collins Avenue, after staff and the applicant clarified numerical setbacks in the draft order.

Alfredo Gonzalez, representing the condominium association, said the building—constructed in 1967—is legally nonconforming and that renovations to the pool deck triggered current life‑safety code requirements for a second means of egress. Gonzalez asked the board for two variances: a 1.54‑foot side‑yard variance and relief of 19.36 feet for the sum of the side yards (applicant exhibits showed the required relief). He emphasized the stair is limited to emergency use and stated it would be secured with a gate.

Staff recommended approval but acknowledged the draft order contained an incorrect numeric entry for the sum‑of‑side‑yards relief; applicant and staff agreed on corrected figures (staff and applicant cited a corrected 35.68‑foot figure in internal calculations during the hearing). Board members pressed for clarification about whether the stair would open into a driveway/parking area and whether the gate would be secure; applicant said the gate would be keyed and used only for emergencies. Several board members cited the fire marshal’s requirement and life‑safety benefit in voting to approve the variances with corrected figures.

The motion to approve, with corrected setback numbers to be reflected in the final order, passed unanimously.