Board approves COA, flood-variance and pre-construction tax-exemption for 230 N Lakeside Drive

The Historic Resources Preservation Board unanimously approved HRPB Project 25-00100152 for 230 N Lakeside Drive on July 9, authorizing a Certificate of Appropriateness, a variance from Florida Building Code base flood elevation requirements, and a waiver for lot coverage to permit a new approximately 2,621 square-foot addition to a contributing residence in the Old Lucerne Historic District.

Anne Hamilton, senior preservation planner, told the board the tax-exemption is a two-part approval and that the pre-construction decision allows a 100% exemption on the assessed increased value for ten years; post-construction review and recording requirements will follow. Hamilton also said the waiver criterion for lot coverage (an exceedance of 200 square feet or 2%) is met and that, as a contributing structure, the property is eligible for the flood-code variance because the work is not considered a substantial improvement.

Architect Caleb Loutz, speaking for the applicant, said most conditions of approval were acceptable but identified Conditions #4 and #5 as items the applicant wishes to modify; he explained that the second-floor window placement is intended to minimize overall height and said the applicant would work with staff on entry glazing. Public commenter Wes Blackman observed that the lot backs to a golf course and a right-of-way to the north, which can affect perception of lot size. Nadine Heitz moved and Laura Devin seconded approval with modification of staff conditions; the motion passed unanimously.