Oldsmar board approves zero‑setback walkway at 818 Christina Circle, building permit subject to HOA sign‑off

The City of Oldsmar planning board voted to approve a variance allowing a zero‑foot side‑setback at 818 Christina Circle so the homeowner may retain or complete an at‑grade walkway connecting the residence, backyard pool and a shared dock. Tatiana Childress, the city’s planning and redevelopment director, told the board that staff had reviewed the application against the city’s 10 variance criteria and "recommends approval of the variance request to reduce the side setback" while listing conditions including a required HOA approval letter for portions in a private drainage easement.

Michael C. Berry, the applicants’ attorney, told the board the application included engineering verifications and medical documentation supporting the homeowner’s need for stable, at‑grade access. "There are three letters in the file from medical doctors about the needs of this particular gentleman," Berry said. The motion passed on a roll call vote with three members voting in favor and the chair dissenting; staff clarified that, while the variance is approved, a building permit for work within the private drainage easement will not be issued without HOA acceptance and that the variance could expire if a permit is not obtained within the statutory period.