Pinellas County board approves plan for five single‑family homes on Hidden Brook Drive in Palm Harbor

The Pinellas County Board of Adjustment and Appeals voted to approve a Type 2 use request that will allow five single‑family detached homes on a little‑over‑one‑acre parcel at 186 Hidden Brook Drive in Palm Harbor.

Planning staff introduced case TY2‑26‑04 and recommended conditional approval, telling the board the site was part of an original 1980s condominium plan and that the concept plan meets applicable setbacks and density. Assistant County Attorney Kirby Kreider reminded the board the hearing is quasi‑judicial and that "only competent, substantial fact based testimony or evidence may be considered" in deciding the matter. Staff noted the proposed lots substantially exceed the RM district minimum lot area (3,000 square feet) and that the developer must add additional stormwater mitigation on the property.

Andrew Strong, representing the new ownership group Yokesi LLC, said the ownership took title June 25 from Jeffrey Brown and is seeking to convert the undeveloped remainder of a condominium phase from attached to detached single‑family lots. Strong described the planned product as "1,300 square foot, 3 bedroom, 2 bath" homes with one‑ or two‑car garages and said the units would target the "upper 300s to mid 400 range depending on customer finishes." He said the proposed lots exceed the 3,000‑square‑foot minimum and that elevations and floor plans were included with the concept submission.

A condominium homeowner in the audience questioned who will pay to repave the private Hidden Brook road when that work is needed in the future. Strong and staff said the road is existing, that 43 condominium units already use it, that an easement is recorded, and that the developer plans to show maintenance responsibilities on the new plat and prepare a pro‑rata maintenance agreement so the five future homeowners will share road costs. On screening, staff confirmed the applicant proposes to install a 6‑foot white PVC privacy fence; a board member asked whether that fence is a code requirement and staff replied it is not required but is permitted. The applicant said the fence is included in the application and the board indicated it should be part of the record if approval is granted.

A committee member moved to approve the application "according to the findings of facts and recommendations as detailed in the staff report"; the Chair seconded and the Chair announced the motion carried unanimously, granting Type 2 use approval. Staff told the board final approval will require a recorded plat, a site plan review, and all permits and fees per Florida statutes. The applicant thanked the board, and the meeting proceeded to routine minutes approval before adjournment.