Planning board approves variances for replacement house at 1825 Beacon Street

The New Smyrna Beach Planning & Zoning Board voted 4‑0 on Sept. 9 to recommend approval of variance case V‑10‑24, allowing the Wiggins family to replace two storm‑damaged single‑family homes at 1825 Beacon Street with a single elevated house and garage.

Planning staff summarized the site as roughly 0.38 acres on the east side of Beacon Street, noting two existing homes that were close to side property lines and were damaged by hurricanes Ian and Nicole. Staff said the lot is 50 feet wide — half the R‑1 zoning requirement of 100 feet — and that the proposed home would be elevated to match existing high ground on the parcel. Staff recommended approval "with the following conditions," including limiting driveway disturbance, maintaining lower elevations outside the driveway for stormwater retention, and installing gutters on both sides to direct runoff away from neighbors.

During discussion Board members repeatedly cited the lot’s narrow width and the age and nonconforming placement of the existing homes as the basis for a variance. One member said the dune elevation provides natural protection and that removing dune material to meet strict setbacks would be more harmful. No neighbors spoke in opposition; staff said a single neighbor who met with the office expressed support.

Board member [functional_label: Board member (speaker 9)] moved to recommend approval consistent with the staff report; the motion was seconded and passed by roll call vote 4‑0.

The board’s recommendation will be forwarded to the City Commission for final action. The approval includes the staff conditions addressing stormwater, gutters and other construction limits.

What’s next: The case will proceed to the City Commission as a recommendation from the Planning & Zoning Board.