Commission grants Hernando Beach height variance after long debate about flood elevation and code limits

Owners Kip and Michelle Godfraind appealed an administrative denial for a building-height variance in Hernando Beach, saying recent flood-elevation requirements have made it difficult to fit modern floor plans under the existing 38-foot local limit. "A lot of homes in the neighborhood... are having to do variances just because the height in the flood plain went up," the petitioner said, arguing the requested additional height was driven by mandatory structural and freeboard requirements.

Staff and the board examined whether a neighboring lot had a previously approved variance that might set local precedent. Because staff could not immediately verify the record, Attorney Jovan recommended adjourning the hearing so staff could locate prior entitlements. The board temporarily adjourned the item and directed staff to confirm whether the neighboring house already had height entitlements; the petitioner's hearing will resume when that record is available. Commissioners also discussed the administrative 10% allowance and whether code changes are needed to reconcile required elevation with maximum height limits.

No final vote was taken at the Aug. 4 hearing; staff said they would return quickly with the relevant permit history and the item was set to be continued to the next land-use meeting.