At the forefront of discussions was the approval of a variance for a property located at 13500 1st Street East, where the unique diagonal shape of the lot led to unusual setback requirements. The applicant sought approval for variances related to these setbacks and landscaping, underscoring that the plans adhered to Florida building code, zoning regulations, and FEMA regulations. Despite an adjacent resident voicing concerns over noise, parking issues, and safety stemming from the property’s events and activities, the Special Magistrate granted the variance and followed the staff’s recommended language verbatim.

The meeting also saw the approval of a variance for 13510 1st Street East, which aimed to reduce the side yard setback for a three-foot-wide utility deck. This structure had been built in 2016 under a previous variance, and the current request was for an extension. The staff’s report supported the variance. Public support for the variance was voiced, with one resident expressing approval for the utility deck extension.

Another topic discussed was the variance application for a property at 13495 GF Boulevard by Bodak Hayes Architects and Tampa Home Pro Incorporated. The applicants sought to demolish an existing non-conforming building and replace it with a four-story mixed-use structure, requiring variances for reduced side yard and rear setbacks, as well as an exception from the perimeter landscape buffering requirement to accommodate parking spaces. The city staff recommended approval of these variances, citing special conditions such as the irregular shape of the lot and architectural considerations that favored the proposed changes.

Furthermore, the city presented a variance application for a property on West Parsley Drive, requesting a rear setback and side setback variance for a new construction permit. The city planner provided a detailed staff report and recommendation for approval, which was ultimately granted by the Special Magistrate after considering both the staff’s findings and an objection email from a resident concerned about the potential impact on seawalls.

In addition to variance discussions, a notable code enforcement case was addressed concerning a property at 113 145th Avenue East, owned by SNJ Management LLC. The case, initiated by information from the city business tax department, involved unauthorized short-term rental activity. Deputy Cory Snider, a Deputy Sheriff for Pinellas County, presented evidence, including property ownership records and video interactions with renters, confirming the violation of rental period requirements in an R2 zone. Despite attempts to achieve compliance through a courtesy letter and a notice of violation, the property owner did not rectify the situation. As a result, the Special Magistrate supported Deputy Snider’s recommendation of a $250 per day fine for the violations with a compliance deadline ranging from two weeks to 30 days.

The meeting proceeded to settle another code enforcement matter for a property at 1345th Avenue East, where the city cited three violations related to short-term rentals. The Special Magistrate found the property owner in violation and provided a 30-day compliance period before enforcing a $250 per day fine for each of the three violations.