Brevard Zoning Board Approves Multiple Variance Requests Amid Concerns
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Meeting Type:
Zoning Board
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Meeting Date:
03/20/2024
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Recording Published:
03/20/2024
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Duration:
222 Minutes
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State:
Florida
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County:
Brevard County
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Towns:
Cape Canaveral, Cocoa, Cocoa Beach, Cocoa West, Grant-Valkaria, Indialantic, Indian Harbour Beach, June Park, Malabar, Melbourne, Melbourne Beach, Melbourne Village, Merritt Island, Micco, Mims, North Merritt Island, Palm Bay, Palm Shores, Patrick Space Force Base, Port St. John, Rockledge, Satellite Beach, Sharpes, South Patrick Shores, Titusville, Tropical Park, Viera East, Viera West, West Canaveral Groves, West Melbourne
- Meeting Overview:
The Brevard County Zoning Board meeting addressed a series of variance requests, with the most contentious involving the construction of a boat dock that extended into a cove, raising safety and navigability concerns for neighboring properties. Despite discussions and the expression of numerous concerns, this request, along with others pertaining to property adjustments and the legitimization of existing structures, was ultimately approved.
The variance request that garnered attention was centered on a proposed 24-foot extension of a boat dock into a cove, which neighbors feared would encroach upon the water area and compromise safety. A neighbor detailed the challenges in maneuvering their boat, emphasizing the potential safety hazards and financial implications of having to adjust their own dock. Despite these concerns, the board passed a motion to approve the variance, focusing on the hardship faced by the applicant and the reasonable access to the waterway.
During the session, there was substantial dialogue regarding the dock and seawall positioning for the proposed extension. One resident accused the applicant of encroaching into the setback area. The board engaged in a debate over the accuracy of measurements and whether the existing seawall was constructed within regulations. The applicant suggested that a dredging permit could resolve access issues, but no clear resolution was reached during the meeting.
Another variance request involved the Kane Family Trust, which sought approval for boat docks and watercraft in an EU estate use zoning classification. The applicants, Annie and Gwen Oain, presented their case, stressing the difficulty of navigating their boat due to dredging near their property. They highlighted the financial burden and potential negative impact on the property’s resale value should the variance be denied. After reviewing drone photos and survey data, the board approved the variance with conditions.
The meeting also discussed a variance application for a property aiming to legitimize structures that didn’t meet zoning codes. The board members took into account the special circumstances of the property before granting unanimous approval.
Additional discussions covered a request to construct a garage on the east side of a property due to spatial limitations in an older home, a request to build an addition to a property for a more functional kitchen and laundry room, and multiple variance requests for existing structures including an in-law home, tennis court, and sheds. The latter involved the applicant seeking to legitimize structures purchased with the property.
Further discussions addressed a request related to the adjustment of an existing building, with concerns about future expansions. After considering the survey, the board approved the variance. Another debated request was for an existing shed encroaching on a required setback. The applicant’s attorney emphasized the lack of neighbor objections, leading to unanimous approval.
A resident raised questions about the adequacy of the meeting notice, but the board member addressed these concerns. The resident also expressed concerns about the impact of proposed changes on the neighborhood’s waterway configuration and boat maneuverability.
Applicants provided detailed explanations, seeking to comply with regulations and legitimize existing structures. Board members asked clarifying questions on timelines and procedures. Each request was considered on its individual merits, with the board voting to approve them, acknowledging the specific needs and challenges presented by the applicants.
Frank Abbate
Zoning Board Officials:
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Meeting Type:
Zoning Board
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Meeting Date:
03/20/2024
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Recording Published:
03/20/2024
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Duration:
222 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Florida
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County:
Brevard County
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Towns:
Cape Canaveral, Cocoa, Cocoa Beach, Cocoa West, Grant-Valkaria, Indialantic, Indian Harbour Beach, June Park, Malabar, Melbourne, Melbourne Beach, Melbourne Village, Merritt Island, Micco, Mims, North Merritt Island, Palm Bay, Palm Shores, Patrick Space Force Base, Port St. John, Rockledge, Satellite Beach, Sharpes, South Patrick Shores, Titusville, Tropical Park, Viera East, Viera West, West Canaveral Groves, West Melbourne
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