Board of Adjustment continues Alton Road after‑the‑fact variance after neighbors cite unpermitted work and flooding
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Summary
The Miami Beach Board of Adjustment on April 10 granted a one‑month continuance for a variance request at Alton Road after neighbors testified about unpermitted construction, artificial turf with a concrete base they say now causes driveway flooding, and alleged short‑term rentals; staff told the board it needs time to complete its recommendation.
The Miami Beach Board of Adjustment voted April 10 to continue consideration of an after‑the‑fact variance request for a single‑family property on Alton Road until the May 1 meeting after neighbors raised enforcement and safety concerns.
Neighbors Steven Bongini and his wife, Eliana Cruz Bongini, told the board they live next door and oppose giving the applicant additional time. "That construction was done, like, 2.5 years ago with 0 permits," Steven Bongini said, adding that the property has been advertised for short‑term rental. Eliana Cruz Bongini said recent rains now flood their driveway because the neighbor paved over previously permeable ground and installed artificial turf over a concrete base.
Staff told the board the applicant is seeking after‑the‑fact variances and that planners had identified discrepancies between the as‑built conditions and submitted plans. Staff said revisions are underway and staff is not ready to issue a recommendation at this meeting. City staff also noted there are two special magistrate enforcement cases open on the property and that compliance deadlines could trigger fines: the building department docket shows compliance deadlines with potential fines of $100 per day for unresolved violations.
Board members debated whether to attach conditions limiting further continuances but concluded staff needed time to complete its review; a motion to continue the item to May 1 passed unanimously by the board.
The continuance means the applicant will return to the board at its May 1 meeting. Staff told neighbors they may submit written objections before that date. The board did not take substantive action on the variance at the April 10 meeting.
