Board denies two‑story garage/storage proposal at 116 N. Pinellas Ave, citing scale and incomplete plans

The Tarpon Springs Historic Preservation Board voted to deny application 26.40, a request to build a two‑story garage/storage structure behind a circa‑1926 non‑contributing building at 116 North Pinellas Avenue. Staff described the property as non‑contributing but recommended design adjustments — including a front gable roof and architectural shingles — if the project were to proceed.

Why it mattered: Board members said the proposed two‑story accessory building was disproportionate to the one‑story primary structure on this small lot and that the packet lacked a clear height dimension and product cut sheets, which prevented a full compatibility determination with the district design guidelines.

What the board heard: An applicant who identified the building’s business address told the board she needed storage and a workshop for an arts and crafts business. She said she planned to use cement fiberboard (Hardie) for the new construction rather than vinyl. A board member moved to deny the application “as I think it’s inconsistent with the design guidelines,” citing scale and missing information; the motion carried on a roll call vote.

What’s next: The applicant may revise the design to reduce scale, change the roof form, provide full height/site drawings, and resubmit. The board suggested alternatives including a reduced‑scale addition or redesign that better complements the primary building and the alley/street environment.

Vote: Motion to deny carried; staff advised the applicant that re‑submittal with fuller documentation and attention to roof form, setbacks and screening could be considered in the future.