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Tarpon Springs board approves variance to widen driveway at 1256 Pinecrest Circle
Summary
The Tarpon Springs Board of Adjustment approved a variance July 22 allowing a homeowner at 1256 Pinecrest Circle to reduce the western driveway side setback to 0 feet so the driveway can be widened to just over 27 feet and repaved with pavers; a neighboring owner spoke in support and staff said stormwater permitting will address drainage.
The Tarpon Springs Board of Adjustment on July 22 approved a variance allowing the owner of 1256 Pinecrest Circle to reduce the driveway side setback on the west side to 0 feet so the driveway can be widened and replaced with pavers.
Alec Keane, interim planning director, told the board that the lot is zoned R-100 for single-family homes and that the lot’s narrow street frontage (38 feet) means the city measures width using the average lot width (87 feet in this case). Keane said the land development code would permit a driveway up to 28 feet based on that average, the existing driveway is about 18 feet, and the applicants propose widening to just over 27 feet. "The existing driveway is about 18 feet wide, and the applicants are widening the driveway to just over 27 feet," Keane said.
The city attorney advised the applicant that because four of the five board members were present the applicant could either defer to a full board or proceed that night; the applicant chose to proceed. During the hearing the applicant, Stefan Comerge, described the change as a fix for an awkward notch that hindered vehicle maneuvering and confirmed the fence along the shared property line is on his side. "The water main is right there," Comerge said, confirming the utility in the east 10-foot area serves only his property. He also said his west-side neighbor is agreeable and provided an email of support for the record.
A neighbor, Anthony Nakonichini of 1266 Pinecrest, spoke in favor of the project, saying it should help neighborhood drainage during heavy rain and improve aesthetics. "I'm in full support of the elements that he's trying to implement ... it will help in essence some of the drainage," Nakonichini said.
Board members asked staff whether drainage impacts would be reviewed; Keane said stormwater permitting will verify that no additional water is dispersed onto adjacent properties and that detailed drainage checks occur at the permitting stage rather than at the variance hearing.
After brief discussion and no objections from board members, a member moved to approve the variance; the motion passed on a roll-call vote with approvals recorded for Mister Wood, Miss Turner, Vice Chair Rich and Chairperson Grossman. The board’s chair concluded, "Your request has been approved."
Staff noted there are currently no applications for the August meeting and will confirm by email if the meeting is canceled. The board adjourned at 6:47 p.m.
