During the meeting, it was explained that the property, a 0.44-acre plot, was originally altered from a smaller parcel in 2005, prior to the county’s recognition of canals as water bodies in 2025. Due to this change, the property could not comply with the 50-foot waterfront setback requirement, necessitating the variance request. The board found that the special conditions and circumstances were not the result of any actions by the applicants, as they purchased the property in 2024. Setback reductions are common in Putnam County, and similar variances have been granted in the area, including a 25-foot reduction for a nearby parcel in 2020.

The board concluded that granting the variance would not confer any special privilege to the applicants that is denied to others in the same zoning district. The decision was made in accordance with the county’s land development code. The variance will remain with the land indefinitely, and the applicants were reminded of the 30-day appeal process.