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Commission grants variance for elevator to encroach into side setback after survey dispute
Summary
The commission approved a variance allowing a two‑foot encroachment for an elevator at 30 North 6th Street after the applicant and staff explained a survey discrepancy; staff had recommended approval under special circumstances.
The Fernandina Beach Historic District Commission voted to approve a variance to reduce the side yard setback from 5 feet to 3.3 feet for a proposed elevator at 30 North 6th Street, citing special circumstances and staff findings.
Mia Sadler, Planner I, presented the staff report and said the property is located at the edge of a block zoned C3 where most lots require no setbacks except the end lot, noting staff’s recommendation for approval. Architect Jose Miranda told the commission the design was based on an older (2002) survey and that a subsequent survey revealed the structure encroached: “the survey that we based our design on was incorrect by almost 22 inches,” he said, adding the contractor discovered the discrepancy during stakeout.
Commission members and staff discussed the challenge of inconsistent surveys and the city’s current practice of relying on stakes and building‑department verification during permitting. Commissioners said they could not easily verify every measurement in preliminary design and that stakeout at permitting is often the point of discovery.
On a motion incorporating staff’s findings that the six variance criteria were met, the board approved VHDC2025‑0001. Commissioners observed the encroachment was modest and that adjacent lots are C3 with 0 lot‑line requirements, making the requested relief less visually offensive to neighbors.
The applicant may now proceed with the permitting process, subject to building‑department review and permit requirements.
