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Board approves variance for elevated generator platform at 3212 El Centro
Summary
The St. Pete Beach Board of Adjustment approved a variance allowing a generator on an elevated platform at 3212 El Centro to encroach into the north side-yard setback after the owner argued OSHA and structural rules limit a smaller footprint; the motion passed 4–1 with staff conditions including a sealed as-built survey.
The St. Pete Beach Board of Adjustment on a March hearing approved variance case #25146 that allows homeowners Walter and Cassie Griffin to install a natural‑gas generator on an elevated engineered platform at 3212 El Centro Street that will reduce the north side-yard setback to about 1.07 feet where five feet is required.
The applicant, Walt Griffith, told the board the platform and access requirements are governed by Florida structural code and OSHA service‑clearance rules and said "the platform cannot be any smaller" because technicians require an 18‑inch workspace plus a small equipment footprint. Planner Christine Coleman told the board staff considered the requested north‑side placement the "least visible and least impactful location" and recommended approval with conditions.
Board members pressed the applicant on alternatives, including rooftop placement and shifting the platform to the south. Griffith said electrical and gas service lines are located on the north side and that the adjacent north property has outdoor kitchen and garage areas, which he said limit impacts to living areas. Members also noted routine generator testing and potential noise; staff stressed the review was limited to placement of permitted equipment.
The board approved the variance with two staff conditions: the platform be used only for the generator (no other uses or expansions without additional variance approval) and the applicant must submit a sealed as‑built survey showing setbacks to zoning prior to issuance of certificate of occupancy or final inspection. The vote recorded Vice Chair Garsha, Member Small, Member Schmidt and Chair Chase in favor and Member Kore opposed; motion carried 4–1.
The board moved on to three additional elevation‑related variance cases; the next meeting was announced for April 29.
