Planning and Zoning Board - Regular Meeting

Good evening. The time now is 06:30PM. And the Pembroke Pines Board of Adjustments will now be called to order. We'll start now with the roll call by our city clerk.

Member Abodendolo? Member Brito?

Here.

Member Kroll?

Here.

Member Pitts? Here. Member O'Meara? Here. You have a quorum.

Thank you, madam clerk. General Counsel, you may now administer the instructions to the residents.

All right. Thank you. For the folks in the lobby, if you have an interest in a case and plan on speaking, I'd like for you to come into the room. If you're just taking care of the little one, feel free to stay out in the lobby. Before we begin the hearings, I want to go over the proceedings here today. This is the city of Pembroke Pines Board of Adjustment. These are volunteers of the community. They are members and live and and work and play here in Pembroke Pines. They serve the true public interest. They're here tonight to hear the cases presented before them, presented by you all in the city.

In order to have your variance approved, you're gonna need at least three members of the panel to approve the application. Short of that three receiving those three votes, your item will be denied. You will have the opportunity to present any evidence or testimony that you have to prove your case. And at the conclusion of your testimony, the chairman will open the floor for members of the public who are here to speak on your behalf or against your project. And at the conclusion of that public testimony, he'll close the case and the matter will be decided here tonight.

That being said, if you have a case or you're here to speak on a case, please stand and raise your right hand and be sworn in. Everyone, You swear or affirm the testimony you'll give will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Alright. You may be seated. Mister chairman.

Thank you, general counsel. I'd like to now have the approval of the 09/04/2024 Board of Adjustments minutes.

Mr. Chair, I'd like to make a motion to approve the Board of Adjustments meeting minutes from September 4.

I second.

You've heard the motion and the second. All in favor? Aye. Opposed? Minutes of 09/04/2024 stands approved. Thank you. Good evening, everyone. The first applicant tonight is Mr. George Gonzales and Elizabeth Samora. Will you please come forward, please?

Thank you. Please sign in as the council is instructed. Turn on the microphone. Okay. Thank you.

The project description in the background, mister George Gonzales, owner, submitted two residential zoning variances requests to legalize existing construction for the property located at 7001 Southwest 9th Street in Pines Village neighborhood, which is zoned residential single family r one c. On 06/03/2024 and also 2024, the property was cited for work performed without permits, cold case number 20 250601874. The owners pursuing to retain an existing 17 by 13 foot four roof structure attached to the house west side wall. The property owners providing a copy of the property survey showing the footprint, the existing item and location. The petition is requesting ZVR 2025Dash0027 to allow five foot side setback along a segment of the western property line instead of required seven and a half foot side setback for an existing 17 foot by 13 foot open sided roof structure attached in a residential single family typical lot.

For the survey, it was found the existing patio and shed are encroaching into the required western side setback. As part of the request, the owner is providing a modification plan removing the excess of existing paving along the side property line to conform with required five foot side setback. The petitioner, however, would like to maintain the existing shed at the existing location and the owners asking for ZVR2025Dash0028 to allow a three foot 10 inch side setback along a segment of the Western side property line instead of required five foot side setback for an existing 10 foot by nine foot eight shed in a residential single family lot. Per staff review of the city archives, no permits can be found for the detached work on their property. Nonetheless, according to the Broward County Prophets appraised imagery, it appears the roof structure attached to the side and shed have existed at the location since at least 1998 and 2007, respectively.

The applicant is aware that the board consideration of these references and request does not preclude the property owner from obtaining all necessary development related approvals or permits. There is no home owner's association in the neighborhood where the subject property is Okayed. The owner also submitted to legalize an existing on page five zero six, to legalize an existing attached carport, the existing shed for the property located at the convention address. The two items were existing when I purchased the home in June 2005. I was not aware that no permits were submitted until I received the code violations on 06/17/2025.

In July, I hired Decco Concrete for the isolated footing valves permit application RR20Five-six636, Also, R and D aluminum, permit application 02 RO25Dash06871 to build a new carport structure since the old one did not meet code. The current existing posts are set back at five feet. Both permits came back with the comment, setback needs to be seven and a half feet from property. This structure has been existing for twenty years plus. If I place the post at seven and a half feet, I cannot use it as a carport since the post will be two and a half feet inside the gate opening.

The carport is needed in order to accommodate six vehicles. I received the code violation because I had two vehicles parked on the grass. The existing shed was there when I purchased the home. It was 10 foot by 10 foot eight, ten foot on an eight inch slope with straps. It is currently four and a half inches from the property line, 41 and a half inches from the property line.

I have spoken with my neighbors, and they do not have any objections to the setback that has been existing for over twenty years on both items. And we can see the pictures of the property and the survey. Have I read your petition accurately, sir?

Yes, sir.

Ma'am? Okay. Good. I would like to this board would like to hear from you on any other comments that you may have.

No. I just wanna Could you speak with Mike? I'm sorry. I bought like you said, I bought the house in 2005.

Can you state your name for the record,

I'm sorry. George Gonzales. When I purchased the house in 2005, everything that's there now was there. I already replaced the fence because the fence was one of the other code violations. I already replaced the whole fence with a permit. And I just want to get everything the way it's supposed to be with permits and all like that so I don't have any issues in the future. It's a learning lesson. And in the future, if I buy another house, I'm going to make sure I check for all permits been pulled for everything. And like I said, it took me by surprise when all that because I'm working in Naples. And they put the letter on the outdoor.

And she sent it to me. And I go, what is this? I mean, that was there. And I looked at Google Earth, I found a carport there. It's still there in 1994, which is the first year that Google Earth came out. And I just want to replace the old one with one that meets the hurricane standards now. But if I put that step back at seven and a half feet, I can't get my cars in there. Because right now, my neighbor across the street is letting me park two cars in his parking space because they have a four car thing and they only have one vehicle. So they've been parking cars there for five months right now. And it's nice of them, but to me it's an inconvenience too for them.

And I just want to make things right and be I love my house. Mr. Has been there. He seems to how I maintain it. And the neighbors also came to me when they got the notice. And they were asking me, what is this? And I explained it to them. Some of them, I told them, follow the instructions. If you agree with it, just sign it and send it back in. I don't know if they did or not, those letters that got sent out. And basically, that's it.

Thank you very much. Mr. Zamora, could you go back to the survey part? Looking where it says remove paving below to be five feet away in parallel to the western side property line, when you remove the paving, what did you replace it with? Or did you just leave it as grass?

Dirt. It's dirt and it's gonna be dirt or either

gonna be landscape. Landscape, maybe some strip or grass.

Grass?

Yeah.

Okay. Thank you. That was my only concern, what you're going to put back there. Grass will help with the percolation in the property.

Is

there anything else to add, sir? Or ma'am?

That's it.

Anyone from the audience with any comments or in for support or against?

Mr. Burrito? No further questions.

Mr. Pitts? No questions, Mr. Chair. Mr. O'Mearo? No question. At this time, I'd like to entertain a motion for ZBR twenty twenty five-twenty twenty seven.

Mr. Chair, I'd like to make a motion to approve ZBR twenty twenty five twenty seven to allow a five foot side setback along a segment of the western property line instead of the required seven and a half foot side setback for an existing 17 by thirteen, four open sided roof structure attached in a residential single family typical lot.

Do I have a second?

I second.

Roll call, Madam Chairman. Madam Clerk.

Member Pitts?

Yes.

Vice chair Brito?

Yes.

Chairman Kroll?

Yes.

Member Amira?

Yes.

Motion passes.

I'd to have a motion for First question. ZVR2025Dash0028.

Mister chair, I'd like to make a motion to allow ZVR20250028 to allow three foot 10 inches side setback along a segment of the western side of the property line instead of the required five foot side setback for an existing 10 by 9.8 shed and a residential single family typical lot.

And this both would be in accordance with section 155.031 c. I second. Madam Clerk.

Member Pitts.

Yes.

Vice Chair Crawl. I am Brito.

Yes.

Chairman Crawl.

Yes.

Member Amira. Yes. Motion passes.

Thank you, sir. Both motion passes. And please see staff for any kind of comments or any further instructions. Congratulations.

Thank you so much.

Thank you so much.

Have a great night.

Christian and Jessica Stoats. Good evening. Okay.

Hello.

Good evening. Good evening. Jessica Stowe's owner submitted a residential zoning variance request for the single family resident located 730 Southwest 195th Avenue in the Chapel Trail neighborhood, which is zoned planned unit development. The property follows PUD guidelines for single family conventional lots larger than 10,000 square feet. The PUD does not address open sided roof structures freestanding as results.

The provision of the city's land development code apply. On 04/04/2025, the owner submitted a plan for building permit application number RX25Dash03730 to install a 27 foot two inch by 18 foot aluminum roof outdoor terrace on existing patio. However, the permit cannot be approved if the proposed work exceeds limitations of the city's land development code per the plan. The owners requesting ZBR2025Dash0029 to allow 489 square feet instead of required 200 square foot for proposed open sided structure, freestanding structure in a residential single family typical lot. For the documents provided by the owner for the property, it was detected an existing 12 foot by 17 foot shed located in the west side of the property.

The owner would like to include ZVR2025Dash30 to allow two zero four square feet as a required 100 square feet for an existing shed in a residential single family typical lot. The applicant is aware that the board consideration of any references does not preclude the owner from obtaining all necessary development approval permits. In addition, the owner submitted Two of them may concern. We're writing to formally request a zoning variance to allow the construction of a five zero four square foot pergola in our backyard. We understand that the current zoning permit allows pergolas up to 200.

A lot is sufficiently sized and configured to accommodate the proposed program without encroaching on any property setback, easement, or public right of way. This structure will be built in compliance with applicable building codes and will not adversely affect neighboring properties in terms of privacy, noise, or aesthetics. We have taken the extra steps to have a new survey completed on our property as well as hiring and paying for engineering drawings, all showing measurements are within compliance. In addition, we have also obtained full approval from our master's association and our local homeowners association. As a family, we spend a significant amount of time outdoors, and the larger pool level will provide necessary shade and safety, comfort for gatherings, outdoor meals, and family recreations.

We're not adding any walls or creating a full enclosure structure. It will remain open air and visibly compatible with our neighborhood and home. And this was submitted by Ms. Jessica Stoltz. Is there anything else you'd like to add to your report here, ma'am?

No. Basically, I think it covers what we are requesting. We understand that it is a little bit bigger than what is normally accepted by code. But our property is also unique. And the size of the lot allows for the size of the pergola. And as mentioned in my letter and in my request, we spend a lot of time outside, my two children and our families. So this is something that we would like to install in our backyard. And we obtained also the proper application. We did all the permits, and we also obtained approval from the association for the pergola as well.

The good part is that you have no neighbors in back of you. And unfortunately, you have the sun coming off the lake that creates quite a And bit of

a beautiful sunset, but yes, definitely a lot of heat.

Yes. I understand totally. Are there any comments from the audience? Yes, sir. Could you comment, please? Sign your name. Sign in and give us your name, please.

My name is Gerald Meyer. Mister Meyer. As it was stated And

could you also state your address too,

please? Okay. My name is Gerald Meyer, 19430 Northwest 6th Street. It was mentioned just now, commented that there was approvals by the master and local. That is incorrect.

I am on the board, and I never received any architectural review for the shed or this gazebo or pergola, excuse me. Second of all, the shed is right near the property line. It's not within it's encroaching on a setback as it is. It sits up in the front and everything. Received today the architectural approvals application for the shed and the removal of some trees in the front.

And it even states on there after the fact, the shed is there. The removal of the trees have already happened. And therefore, it has not been approved. In fact, it was disapproved because of the mere fact that it is after the fact. And knowing about this variance hearing for the pergola, we wanted to bring forth to your attention that it has not gone through the proper procedures within the community.

And also, if the pergola is in excess of the required, recommended, or required size, no. That's not supposed to be happening. There's a size limit for reasons. I understand what I entertain. I'm not trying to be rude or anything.

But we have to stay within the parameters that are given. We go and exceed that, then we have everybody could do anything on their property. So the most important thing, we have not received any architectural review as from the resident for the shed, the removal until after the fact. I have it on email and everything. If I don't see that presented here, There were trees removed.

And the city of Pembroke Pines does require that you either remove them and you replace them. For what reason? Are they dead? Or you have to replace them, of which that was not done. So there's no permit for that, no permit for the shed either, and it's existing already. That's basically what I have to say about this.

Thank you,

Mr. So I'm in opposition to it.

Thank you, Mr. Olson. Ms. Stokes.

So I would like to say that we did obtain approval for the pergola from the Master Association and the association. I have provided all of that information to Christian with the required documentation, like the engineered plans and everything that we had that was required to put in the application. Now, with regards to the shed, we replaced an existing shed without knowing that we needed a permit for a new shed. So that's why there is an application called permit after the fact, which was actually provided to us or guided by the city. So we are able to request a permit after the fact, because as homeowners, we did not know that it was required to have a new permit to replace a shed.

In addition to the trees that were damaged by lightning, we did not know that it was required to have a permit or apply for a permit to remove the palm trees. So it was not something that was done intentionally. And again,

The trees did aren't an issue for And

we did submit a permit request as suggested by the city, which is a permit after the fact. So I think it is, as homeowners, you're allowed to submit a permit for something after the fact. That's why it's available for us.

GREGORY Steph, do you have the agreement from the association or master?

GREGORY Yes, the letter is in the package that you all received. It's dated 04/01/2025, signed by the Chapel Trail Boards of Directors Architectural Design Control Committee. It expressly follows and reads, your architectural modification request has been approved. Specifically, you've been approved to proceed with the following 20 by 30 by eight feet, roof pergola installation, color dark bronze.

I assure you that we have taken all of the proper steps to request the permits for the pergola. Again, we were not aware that we had to request the permit for the shed that we were replacing an old shed. It is within city lines. It was installed properly. It was within the city bounds five feet from the house next door, within the limits. So again, we submitted all the proper documentation as we did not want to cause any trouble. Yeah. I'm

looking at the size of the aluminum roof. 27 feet by 18 feet is a very large is that the right one?

But if you look at the lot size or the survey that we did, we have a significant as mentioned, we have a corner lot. And it is a unique it is not like every other piece of property in

It's a our applied shape, yes.

And there is actually even a basketball court. There's sufficient space in the backyard. And again, we have no one behind us, so it's not obstructing anybody's view or anything like that.

And

everything is in accordance we had an engineer come out. We have everything in accordance the materials, the installation, everything.

I understand. Thank you. Thank you. Any other comments, staff?

No. We visited the property. We directed the applicant to work with our landscape division to mitigate the loss of the landscape. Obviously, the reason why she's here is because the existing shed exceeds size, and the proposed freestanding structure as per code exceeds 200 square feet.

Mr. Myers.

Right here. Dated 09/2525 is the application for the shed to our local review. Do not date it right here. So I don't know what he's got there That's the saying purgulum.

It's for the purgulum.

For purgulum. I have yet to see a request for architectural review for the purgulum

at all.

Mr. Chair, as you know, your decision is not based on what the HOAs agree or not agree to. She has to deal with that if you approve it. So I just wanted to make

sure that

I just wanted to make

sure that

I know you're going to say that at some point.

Yeah. And I want to make sure that all sides have had a chance to have equal comments. Okay.

But this is only from the master. This did not go through the local.

Okay. All right.

Just letting it be known that the procedures are local. We submit it to the master. They can approve or disapprove it. Even if we approve on the local level, they can disapprove it. And then they don't get it done.

The applicant will go ahead, sir.

The Board of Adjustment is not bound by your Homeowners Association decision.

And we did apply for both local and master. So we did everything that we were told.

There are several steps you have to go through. Like I

said I understand. And again, we did not know. So yes, we're doing it after the fact. Because honestly, we did not know that there was a permit needed for a replacement of an existing shed. So yes, we are doing it after the fact, but simply because we did not know. We did know for the pergola that we needed to request approval from the association is what we did. And we received it and a permit from the city.

After this committee questions and so forth, please see staff at the very end to further the process. And dotting the i's crossing the t's. Is there anyone else in the audience? Yes, sir. Please state your name and sign in, please, and your address.

Hello. My name is Donald Reed. I am the actual direct neighbor to the right side on your slide.

Could you say your address?

I'm The address to your home. REID: 019481

Northwest 8th Street.

And state your name again, sir.

Donald Reed, R E I D. So I am the direct neighbor, and they're wonderful neighbors. I mean, better than the neighbors that were there before. So I'm an original owner. I've been here since 1994 in the community of Pasadena States and then Chapel Trail.

I was on the board for twenty years on the master. And I've been on the board of the local, Pasadena three and four, for thirty one years minus two years. So there was only a period of two years that I wasn't on the board. My only issue with the city is we developed our rules and regulations over the years following the city guidelines. So the structures I mean, I understand that they might have gotten approval for the master, which is really absurd because they're usually so hardened about the rules.

We wrote the rules back when I was on the master board to follow the city guidelines just so we didn't have the conflict between the city and the association. So my only concern is if they got approval from the master board, they didn't get approval from the local board. It's going to create an issue, again, where if the city grants the variance, then you're putting us against our homeowners, which is something I strived for for twenty years, never to get in conflict with the homeowners. So as a board member, as a neighbor, we always relied on the city to back us up if we followed the rules of the city. So that's my only concern is if you grant this variance, then it puts us in a precarious situation because then other homeowners will apply and say, hey, look, they got it.

And that has created some issues for us as a board in the past. And I know there's a lot of issues with board members and certain things that happen. But I would just urge that if you make a decision, it throws it back onto the board. So we followed the city guidelines since I've been in the community thirty one years. So I have no objection. I haven't seen the pergola. So I would have direct sight on the pergola. I don't know what it looks like, so I have no opinion personally. But I do represent Pasadena III and IV. We did have a board meeting two weeks ago I can't remember the date nineteenth, I believe.

And the board said they would not approve that. So again, I I don't wish anything upon my neighbor because they're wonderful neighbors. But yeah, it's up to the city at this point.

Thank you, Mr. Reed. Thank you. Mrs. Moore, could you bring up the rear end of the home again? Yes, perfect. To everyone in attendance, as Mr. Reed said, many rules were established thirty, thirty five years ago. We've had increase in size of families who used to be mother, father, and two children. Now we have five and six cars being needed.

And we're also going have two and three different two, three generations in the same household. And looking at the we're in here, there's definitely a need for protection from the sun and the elements. I always ask the residents, would they consider reduction in size, looking at the fact that you're in an open area and the fact that, you know, as Mr. Reed said, it's going to create a wave of new applicants and people wanting to make adjustments. You said 27 feet by 18 feet.

It's very large. I encourage people to sometimes shrink it down to not interfere with the neighborhood. But because you are backed up against the lake, you have no one in back of you, I take that into consideration also. And as counsel will tell you, we are not bound by any homeowners association jurisdiction. We'll confide with the city of Pembroke Pines building and zoning. So with that said, is there anyone else in the audience? Now I'll hear from Mr. Burrito.

Mr. Chair, I would recommend tabling this for next meeting so that she can go back and get approval of what the master and the local master or the local association would allow before we render a decision on this?

GREGORY Ms. Stoats.

I was under the impression that we had already received approval because we submitted to the local, and they submitted to the master. So we would not be able to submit the application. That's the process that we've always followed. So same thing we do for the painting of our home. Submit it to the local, and they submit it to the master.

And they tell us, like in the email that they respond, that we have to wait for both approvals. So it is under my impression that when you receive the master approval, you've already received approval. So I will go back and review my documents. But that's the process that we've always followed for requesting anything from our association. So I really am not aware of any other process or any additional approvals that they're speaking about.

And I would like to also state that I understand, but our property is probably the only size of that property in our neighborhood. It is very unique. And it is a corner lot. And it has, like you've mentioned, no one directly behind us. And the pergola will be an open structure, so it won't even obstruct Don's view or anything like that.

That has never been a problem or a concern. We want to make sure and we're being very generous. It doesn't appear to be you did not start without permits. And we want to make sure that you have communication and following all the guidelines. Usually there's an HOA, but you have a local and master, which I'm not familiar with. Staff, is that something that comes up local and master agreements?

Before the city's eyes, there's language in our code related to master association.

Just the master association? Correct. And she has approval from the master Association?

GREGORY That's what we received for the pergola dated 04/01/2025.

GREGORY Okay. Any further questions, Mr. Brito? GREGORY No, no further questions. Mr. Pitts?

GREGORY one or two questions, Mr. Chair. The shed that is up for approval, what was the original size of the shed that was replaced? Was that size then increased when the new shed was replaced?

Yes. Was increased. I don't have the specific size of the previous shed, but it is increased in size. The other one was plastic and kind of falling apart, we needed more storage space. But it's placed in the same exact location. The only thing different is that we put a concrete slot on the bottom of it. But it's installed in the same location that the other one was.

Okay. My second question is that there's a and maybe I'm looking at the photo wrong. If staff could go back to the aerial photo. So in the first picture here, it appears that and maybe it's just the way that I'm looking at it, but it appears that the shed is

That's when it was broken and we were getting it removed and breaking it down. That's not where it was previously. So that is not where the shed was for you. It's exactly in the same location that it was. So we moved it. It was breaking down. And so in order for us to have it broken, we had to move it and have the other one brought in. So that's probably where the picture is.

Okay. But you

Because we had a playground there. You didn't see, basically, on the photo No, I just see it. But you also don't see the playground that was there. So we had a huge playground that was in where the shed is here. And that's not in the photo. So that's why I know that that's a photo from and I can see my backyard is upgraded. And it wasn't upgraded before when the shed was in the previous location.

Okay. Thank you. No more further questions. Chair.

Member Mira.

Yes, Mr. Chair. So the approval that you have from the Chapel Trail Owners Association is from the masters. Yes. Okay. The process of applying is you start from your sub association, right?

That's what I did from

So how Management come the sub association don't have

your application?

I'm not sure why they

don't have it. If they are the one that forwarded the application to the master, then how come they don't have a copy?

I mean, he said I didn't even apply for it, but I did. So I don't know if he has the most recent information. I can definitely go back. And I'm obviously going to have to show it to them. But that is the process that we've always he said I didn't apply for it. And we applied for it in April, and it was approved. We followed the guidelines that we've always been told. We go through Atlantis Management Company, which is the local, and they go to the masters, which is point management.

So I don't know

what other process to follow.

Yeah, to Mr. Myers, would it be possible you couldn't find out who forwarded that application to the masters?

Sir, as I stated before, I received

A little louder, please.

I received the email of the application only for the shed and the removal of trees. There has been no application submitted to the architectural board of our local community for the pergola whatsoever. And I am an original owner, just like Don Breed has been living in the neighborhood for thirty two years, as well as was on the board. Okay, I'm now on the architectural board. But I have no record whatsoever.

And I have all of the emails that I receive with the architectural boards in a folder in my emails. I save every one, those that are approved and those who are disapproved. So I beg to differ. I don't want to be opposing him and not letting her have what she would like to have, because I like to be a good neighbor as well. But I have nothing that has come before me to sign off and then to be submitted to the master.

Now, again, like Don did say, if the size was to be reduced, there would probably be no opposition. But that is a huge structure. And I'm also a general contractor as well. I see no permit. I know she's bringing up the shed. The shed is actually located towards the front of the corner of her which you would look at the house on the left corner right there. The shed that was there before was a very, like she said, plastic. Call it a playhouse, like a little kid's thing. That's all it was. We did approve those at one time.

But that shed that she has there is enormous. And it's also not within a setback. And there's the slab. It's no hurricane straps on it either.

So you haven't seen it, but you're opposing it. Is that what you're saying?

I see the shed. I can see it.

We're by it. No, you're saying this application, you haven't DELL: seen it. But you're now saying you're opposing

I just got it today. The $9.25 was the gates. Okay.

All right. Go ahead, Amira. Finish with

Yeah, because on the master's here, there is an approval of a 20 by 30 by eight feet roof pergola installation and even discuss what the color is going to be. I used to sit on the board also, and I respect you guys' position. I thank you for that because that's also a volunteer work for the community. But we also have what we call a discretion because on the size of her lot, if that would make sense for her to have that size, it will not be the same as on any other lots that, of course, she has a bigger size lot. Now, cons I used to be in the homeowners associations, the way I looked at it is that we are there to make sure that the guidelines is uniform for everybody the best we can, the best possible way we can.

But it also determines would this bring value to the community? Would this bring value to the property? Not to put the property value down. And with this type of installation that she's trying to do, I don't believe that this will put the value of the property in the neighborhood. So you guys could talk that out and consider one another because you are neighbors.

You guys are neighbors. Agree. Can apply that discretion that accommodate everybody the best we can. You are very fortunate that you have a neighbor like her that wanted to improve her property. There's a lot of properties out there that don't even do nothing in their property. And like I said, the improvement of this property and what she's trying to do would bring value of the properties on your neighborhood. That's all I have, Mr. Chair.

Mr. Brito. No, I totally agree with what he was saying. Yes, we do look at properties. We do look at sizes of different structures that are going on properties. But we do make exceptions to those rules based on the size of the lot that the property owner has. As long as it's built to code and they get everything approved by the city, we have made exceptions to those rules. That's all I've got to say, Chair.

Ms. Stokes, I'm listening to what I you have two neighbors that have ideas. Is there an urgency of getting this done today? Or can you comply with the we're not bound by the homeless associations, But it'd be in good spirit to make sure that you have met with all parties and complied. And also, like I mentioned before, and as Mr. Merrill says, it's a very large structure. And sometimes it's in our best interest to say, let's reduce it. I mean, it would be great to have 30 foot by 20.

Also, I completely understand where you're coming from. And we know that there are exceptions. And we do have a large family. I am one of 10 grandkids. We entertain in our home a lot. And this is why we are requesting this, to have Thanksgiving dinners outside. And without this, we are not able to do And again, our property allows for both a size of the shed that we are requesting for storage so we can put all of our kids' stuff in there, all of our decorations, and also for the size of the pergola.

The size allows for The requirement is 100 square feet, you ask for 200. And that would be an exception. And also, like I said, your lot is very unique. You're in the corner. You're backed up against the lake and so forth. We're very considerate. We're also be considerate of your neighbors, too. Like you said, many would also want to do the same thing. So, as a suggestion, make sure that all the associations and the different boards have met with you and with staff to come to agreement. Definitely.

I mean, I'm going to just reiterate what I said. I thought, as we thought, we were following the proper chain of commands, like what we were supposed to do, the local, go to the master, and then we request the permit. That was what we were advised to do. If there was anything different, as he's mentioning, I definitely will go back because I don't want there to be any of these issues because of that.

Thank you.

It's not our intention.

So Mr. Zamora, would you entertain a motion to table this until further review?

We've been waiting for a long time for this. So I just don't know how much longer are we going to have to wait because then we won't be able to host Thanksgiving. It's been almost a year. Like, it's April till now that we are in this I mean, even before that. But

If I could say something, I don't believe that it's correct or necessary to defer this because of an internal homeowners association. More communication or protocols between the SOB and the master association. Asking is for exceptions to the zoning code.

Could you repeat that again?

Yes. The PUD where the property is located, Chapel Trail's PUD, is silent on the subject. Therefore, the provisions of the code apply. The provision of the code for this case is the shed, 100 square feet. She's asking for bigger. And the other one is 200 square feet. She's asking for more. So again, I'm just going to bring it up to you. She still have to continue to work to secure her permit and to obviously work with our landscape division to make sure that she mitigates for the material loss, if that helps.

Thank you. Are there any further discussions for anyone on the board?

Yeah, one more question for Ms. Jessica. Jessica, this is going to be billed by professional contractor, The Pregola?

We're acting as our own contractors.

Okay. Yeah, that's what I'm trying to say. Yes. And there's going to be an electrical? No. No electrical?

No.

Okay. That's all I have.

Mr. Stokes, you're gonna need three approvals. And a structure of this size, acting as an owner builder in the area you're in, you may be to follow the plans, but it's very difficult with the pergola of this size, meeting requirements, and acting as a contract on your own. Please take into consideration, you may get the permit, but it's a very difficult undergoing that you're to undertake. To this board, I entertain the motion for ZVR2025Dash0029.

Mister chair, I'd like to make a motion to approve ZVR2025 to allow

Oh, two nine.

I'm sorry. ZVR 20250029 to allow $4.89 square foot instead of the required 200 square foot for a proposed open sided freestanding structure in a residential area under section 155.301 variance one c. I second.

Madam Clerk, we have a motion to second. Roll call, please.

Member Pitts? No. Member Amira? Yes. Vice chair Brito?

Yes.

Member Kroll?

Yes.

Passes.

Entertain a motion for ZVR 2025Dash0030.

Mister chair, I'd like to make a motion to approve ZVR twenty twenty five zero zero three zero to allow two zero four square feet instead of the required 100 square feet for an existing shed in a residential single family typical lot under section 155.301 variance one c. I second.

If there's motion and a second, madam clerk, roll call please.

Member Pitts? Yes. Member O'Meara? Yes. Vice Chair Burrito?

Yes.

Chairman Crawl?

Yes.

Motion passes.

You so much for Thank your

you.

Please see staff. Make sure I encourage you to you have the variances approved. I'm sure you

will take we will follow all proper protocols for everything, for installation. I will definitely get with the local homeowners association and masters again to submit anything that they are missing.

I'm going to reiterate the fact that because of your location of your home, we're very generous in But proving the I strongly suggest with the hurricanes and so forth and the code requirements, you followed it. Thank you, ma'am. Mr. Ronald Q. And Islel Gonzalez.

Through the chair and before the star, This request is a very technical aspect. The deviation of their request is based on the width of the lot. The width of the lot exceeds one foot over the threshold. So really, it's a small technicality. We visited the property, and we have found no issues. I just want to give that small introduction before anything. I will let him speak. But obviously, take this advice from the staff. I hope you understand what I'm saying. It's a deviation of a foot because the lot is wider than the threshold.

The threshold is 60 feet wide to allow a five feet side setback. The lot is 61 feet. Therefore, it has to be seven and a half. But it was built a five. Thank you.

You bring the picture up, Okay, we'll get started. Could you please sign in and everything? Ronald Q, owner, submitted a residential zoning reference request to propose a bedroom addition to the property located at 8761 Northwest 16th Street in the Boulevard Heights neighborhood, which is zoned residential single family r one c. On 07/09/2025, the home the owner submitted building permit application number RA25Dash06617 for a 196 square foot bedroom addition at the east side of the existing bedroom structure in the rear. However, the permit application cannot be approved.

This proposed addition encroaches into required side setback. ZBR2025Dash0031 to allow 4.8 foot, augmenting to five foot side setback along a segment of the eastern side property line instead of the required seven and a half foot side setback for proposed 16.4 by 12 foot bedroom addition. As part of the request, the project includes removal of existing paving from the western side setback and a shed for the rear of the property. The applicants are aware that the board consideration of this reference request does not preclude the owner from obtaining any necessary developments or related permits. There is no homeowners association involved.

Applicant, dear members of the board, this letter is to request a variance from the side setback requirement. The variance is needed for a room addition to accommodate a newborn baby. The newborn baby has created an immediate need for additional living space. The current home does not offer substantial location for nursery or enough space for childcare items or a place to run around for the little one to have fun. The addition is modest in size, resigned to the blend with existing structure and neighborhood.

It will located in the rear of the house, expanding to the existing backyard. The code acts for a seven and a half foot side setback, which is not enforced when the house was built. The existing structure of the house has a side setback of five feet like to maintain the architectural symmetry of the building. Alternate solutions have been explored, but we believe they are impractical given our family's need and the property's limitation. These necessary is for a reasonable use and enjoyment of the property.

Is there any additional information, Mr. Q?

Add to that, we spoke to surrounding neighbors. They all have no objections to the building of this addition. There were some comments that we have here from Christian, our departments. And our contractor already spoke to me this morning that he worked with the architect to fix all these issues and will be submitted sometime if this goes well. And there is no changes to it or anything like that.

Also, the pavers and the shed that were mentioned, those the pavers have been already removed. Christian, I believe, saw those when he went to our property. And the shed, we'll be working on it soon to get it removed. And also, there were some comments on landscaping department to plant two canopy trees. We will be working on that as well soon. But other than that, don't know if you want to say anything.

One question. How many bedrooms are in the house right now? Two. SPEAKER Two bedrooms. Yeah.

But SPEAKER we work from home, and we have two cats. So when we initially bought the house, we bought it with the intent of adding another room. And the issue is just that we want to continue the line of the house. And we weren't aware of the setback.

It looks like the backyard is fenced in. Am I right?

I'm sorry?

The backyard is fenced in.

Yes.

It's a very large backyard.

He likes it.

Ma'am, as as you were saying,

do you

have more to add?

No. I was saying that that's it. We work from home. We we wanted the space, and the the the initial issue was they want to continue the side of the house, because they want it to be symmetrical and not have that awkward space and the setback would.

Can you bring up the site? Yes. So you continue with the same outline of the house.

Yes.

Each basic group is squaring it off.

Looks

like you've got at least 25 feet in the rear. Would you say so, Mr. Zamora? At least 25 feet in the backyard?

Yes. All right. Yes, that is correct. This is a large backyard. Obviously, they're limited in size. This home's very small, about 1,300 square feet, two bedroom, one bathroom. Of the day, household has grown in size, and they need that. As I explained at the beginning, there's a technicality. The threshold of what triggers the seven and onetwo feet is the 61 feet wide lot. If this would be 60 feet, no variance will be needed.

Now, see there's aluminum terrace that's existing. That's covered in aluminum, am right?

Yes.

Was that existing when you bought it?

Yes. Even the

size was existing. That is open. It's just some paving underneath that are going to be rectifying as part of this

I just want to make

sure you're not going

to come back in a few years saying you want to take down deterrence and add on and square off your house, because now's the time to do so.

No, we like it. We

like it. Okay. I'm going to remember that. We're going to remember that, Okay? I have no further questions.

They've been great with us. The contractor come in, and they try to work it out. They're following a staff direction. That's all I got to say.

Now, the roofline, will it be a flat roof there?

Yes.

Okay. Thank you. Any questions for Mr. No further questions. Mr. Pitts? No questions. Mr. Mira? No question. That is no one that's left in the audience here. Staff, any comments or any questions? Okay. I'd like to entertain a motion for ZBR2025Dash31.

Mr. Chair, I'd like to make a motion to approve ZBR2025Dash31 to allow point eight augmenting to five foot side setback along a segment of the eastern side property line instead of the required 7.5 side setback for a proposed 16.4 by 12 bedroom addition under section 155.301 variance one. I second.

The motion is second. Madam Clerk.

Member Pitts.

Yes.

Vice Chair Burrito.

Yes.

Chairman Kroll.

Yes.

Member O'Meara.

Yes.

Motion passes.

Motion passes. Congratulations.

Congratulations. And

one comment. You're to use a general contractor to do this work, or are going to self perform it? All right. Thank you. Thank you very much. Have a good evening. Take care.

Would you like to do an excused absence from member Amira Avelando?

I want to make a motion to excuse Member Aldorando. Yeah. I

second. Who seconded?

I did. Okay. Thank

you. Okay. All in favor, excuse the member Victor Appendalo, say aye. Aye. And thank you. Mr. Zamora, you gave us the meeting schedule for 2026. Is that to be considered or voted upon or just for information?

Yes. Yes. Actually, we need to reschedule because there's a conflict. Our first meeting, the board meeting in January falls on New Year's Day. It will be New Year's Day. So we need to reschedule for

I'll say.

So we need to reschedule for the fifteenth, sometimes and place, and the same for the April 2 meeting.

Is January 15 on Thursday? Yes.

Yes. It's a Thursday. Alright? And then we have to reschedule April 2, Passover. Right. Reschedule for April 16. So that will be the other the two changes for next year. Okay. And this

is only by consideration?

Yes. Yes. We should need to make a motion to move forward with those changes.

And then

April, the April meeting, which falls on April 2, is the Passover. So we're going to be rescheduling it for April 16.

Could we not do it on the ninth? Is the ninth a problem? That was what you and I discussed.

It's Passovers.

The April 9.

The ninth. I believe that we have to confirm that the chamber is available. Right? The commission chamber is available. But this I like that idea better.

Yeah. But it's that Monday.

Okay. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yes. Actually, it's planning a zoning board. So we do have a meeting on that Thursday, the second Thursday. P and Z is the second and fourth Thursday of every month. We cannot do that.

So we got a motion?

What were the dates again? I'm sorry, Christian.

Well, it's okay. It's okay. So we need to reschedule the first meeting.

Your mic is just terrible, by the way.

I'm not sure. That's

That's okay. So January, the first meeting in January is gonna be January 15 instead of the first, All right?

I got it. I got it.

And then on April, originally scheduled for the second and needs to be rescheduled for the sixteenth. Those are the two changes to the schedule for next year. Anybody has a question?

Nope. Nope. I give the

motion to approve the schedule as Somebody

second? Was there a second?

Second.

The motion is second. All in favor? Aye. Aye. Motion passes. Thank you. Any other business we need to take up tonight?

None that I'm aware of. No. Nothing to say.

Alright. Meeting is now adjourned. It does motion to adjourn? Aye. Second? All in favor? Aye. Aye. 07:36. Meeting adjourned. Thank you.