Okay, let's start. Good evening. You're attending a session of the City of Jacksonville's Beach Board of Adjustments. The Board of Adjustments meetings are quasi judicial in nature. All decisions of the board will be based on confident, substantial
evidence, including testimony provided in this meeting. Any person who is not an applicant or agent that wishes to speak will need to fill out a speaker card located at the side table by the door and turn them into the clerk. Each member of the public will be given three
minutes to speak on each item. Please refrain from speaking from the audience. Applause or cheering will not be allowed. Please silence your cell phones. Can we have a roll call, please? Douglas Snow, Owen Curley
>> here, >> Jeff Trouard, Matt Mets >> here, >> Karen Dorty >> here, >> Gary Honett >> here. >> Okay. Uh, I understand that the administer oaths of office have already
been rendered for Karen and Gary. Welcome to the board of adjustments. Um, so next on our agenda is approval of minutes. Uh we have the board minutes from January 6th of 2026. >> I make a motion to approve the minutes
uh including the materials for today for the board meeting on January 6, 2026. >> Okay, so uh it's been a motion. We need a second. >> A second. >> Okay, so it's been moved and seconded. All in favor? >> I >> opposed. Okay, the uh minutes have been
approved. Um there's no correspondence listed. There's no old business. So, let's call the first of our new business cases. >> The board calls case number BOA25-100096, property address 816 North 10th Street. Motion to consider sections 34-611 Echo1
Charlie 2 for a sideyard setback of 8.2 feet in L of 10 ft for a new bathroom addition to an existing single family home. >> Okay. Okay. As a reminder, each member of the public will be given three minutes to speak when we open the public hearing. Does any board member have any
exparte communication? >> I've had none. >> None. >> No. >> And I've had none. Would the applicant please come forward to be sworn in and give their presentation? >> Please raise your right hand, state your name and address. >> The uh microphone is muted. I'm sorry.
There's a little button on the front. >> Just push the button. turns green. >> My name is Alan Martin. The address is 816 10th Street North. >> Do you swear or affirm that the testimony you're about to give in this matter is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. So help you, God.
>> Thank you. >> Your microphone's muted again. I'm sorry. >> Thanks. >> Okay, we're good. Um I'm I'm here to apply to um add a second a bathroom to
my residence. Um, I've owned this home since 1988. I've never left it. Um, I waited till I retired to, uh, do this major renovation. Um, this bathroom and also that was listed earlier was u, um, like
a family den room was going to be phase two. I'm about to finish up phase one of this renovation. Um, just a a minor setback on the property line. And I also have a it was also sent to you guys, but it was from my neighbor
that I actually shared a property line with. Um, pretty much saying he's good with it. And I got a letter from him as well to present. He's out of town, otherwise he'd be here. >> Okay. Uh, I understand uh your one neighbor who's whose property line will
be closely affected uh has agreed. Uh, are there other neighbors in agreement? Yes, I have one here that's also in the in the two houses down in the cold act we share. >> Okay, great. Thank you. >> Do any board members have any questions for the applicant?
>> I have none. >> No. >> Okay, sir. Uh you could step back. >> Do we have any speakers cards? Oh, I mean uh I will uh open the public hearing. Do we have any speakers cards? >> We have one speaker card. Jim Gillis,
address 810th Street North. You can come forward. >> Please raise your right hand. State your name and address. >> My name is Jim Gillis. My address is 800 10th Street North. >> Do you swear affirm that the testimony you're about to give in this matter is
the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. So help me. >> I do. I do. >> Go ahead, sir. >> Okay. I'm a neighbor of Allens. I've lived there 40ome years. We live in a nest or circle of about five homes.
We're all in agreement. Even the guy across the street is agreement. Um and uh since we're only talking about less than two feet, I just really hope you'll do this. He has really fixed this home up. He's
going to stay there as long as he can. And uh it makes the neighborhood look better and his home look better. and it just feels like something needs to be done. I'm all for it and my other neighbors are as well. >> Thank you. >> Thank you.
>> Okay. Is there anyone in the audience uh who has not filled out a speaker card that wishes to speak? Okay. Uh is there anything uh that was addressed by the speaker that the applicant would wish to address? You don't have to.
>> Okay. Thank you. Uh, I will now close the public hearing and bring the item back to the board for discussion. Is there a motion? >> I make a motion to approve BOA number 25-100096 based on the substantial competent evidence presented in the staff report
and all relevant testimony presented at this hearing and that the motion meets all the standards for variances outlined in section 34-572 of the Jacksonville Beach Land Development Code. >> Okay, it's moved. Is there a second? >> I second the motion. >> Okay, so it's been moved and seconded.
Uh, and now we have our uh board discussion that's on the record. I would just point out that the uh property is u nonconforming uh due to the width on the south side
and the regular shade. So, um those are factors in our six factors that we're to look at and I think that's always a major one um is the non-conforming lot. Anyone else? Also, I point out it's not a land grab. I
mean, they're not looking to over build on their lot and they're not looking to to to expand dramatically. Anyone? Okay. Um, can we have a vote, please?
>> Matt Mets, >> yes. >> Karen Dorty, >> yes. >> Gary Hoget, >> yes. >> Owen Curley, >> yes. Your request for variance has been approved. Thank you. >> Can we call the next one?
>> The board calls case number BA25-100097. Property address 256 North 10th Street. Motions to consider 34-611 echo1 Charlie 3 for a rear yard setback of 29.4 4 feet in L of 30 feet and 34-611 echo1 Charlie
2 for a sideyard setback of 7.5 ft in L of 10 feet for a master bedroom addition to an existing single family home. >> Okay. Uh just as a reminder, each member of the public will be given three minutes to speak when we open the public hearing. Does any board member have any exparte communication?
>> I've had none. >> None. and I've had none. Would the applicant please for forward to be sworn in and give their presentation? >> Please raise your right hand, state your name and address. >> Foster. >> Oh, your microphone, please. You just
tap. >> Janelle Foster, 2056 North 10th Street South, I mean North, sorry. >> Do you swear affirm that the testimony you're about to give in this matter is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. So help you God. >> I do.
>> Okay. Um, hi. Uh we are new to Jack Beach. We bought the property in May of this past year and want to put in a master addition. Um the addition that we're asking for the uh the uh 7 and 1/2t setback from the side of the
property is just continuing the current um um side side of the property. The house currently sits at 7 and 1/2 ft and we just want to make an addition off the back for the master bedroom which will be a master bedroom and a bathroom addition onto the back of the house. Um,
and when we did the plans out, it actually encroached over the 30-foot um, uh, easement, you know, in the back property line by a half a foot. So, that's just our request right there. >> And, uh, have you spoken to your neighbors? >> I have spoken to my neighbors, but I did
not think to bring them. They live right next door. Um, and they've done some major improvements to their home as well, and they don't have a problem with it at all, but I could certainly provide testimony if that's needed at a later date. I didn't think to bring them, though. >> No, it's fine. That's fine. Um, okay. Does uh any board members have any
questions for the applicant? >> None. >> None. >> Okay, ma'am. You can step back. >> Thank you. >> And uh do we have any speakers cards? >> We do not. >> Okay. Uh is there anyone in the audience who has not yet filled out a speaker
card that wishes to speak? Okay. Seeing none, I will now close the public hearing and bring the item back to the board for discussion. Is there a motion? I make a motion to approve BOA number 25-100097 based on the substantial competent evidence presented in the staff report
and all relevant testimony presented at this hearing and that the motion meets all the standards for variances outlined in section 34-572 of the Jacksonville Beach Land Development Code. >> Okay, it's been moved. Is there a second? >> I second the motion. >> Okay, it's been moved and seconded. Uh
discussion. It's an undersized lot and it's narrower than the the dimensions for its its lot size. So I think uh it's a reasonable request within the the proxy of the lot as it exists. >> I agree. Okay. Any further discussion?
>> No. >> Okay. Can we have a uh roll call vote, please? >> Matt Mets, >> yes. >> Karen Darty, >> yes. Gary Hawett, >> yes. >> Owen Curley,
>> yes. Your request for variance has been approved. There she is. Okay. Thank you. Can we call the next >> board calls case number BA25-100098 property address 2804 South 2nd Street. Motion to consider sections 34-611 echo1
Charlie 2 for the nor northerly yard setback of 7.3 feet in le of 10 feet 34-611 echo1 charlie 2 for a southerntherly yard setback of 5t in lie of 10 feet and 34-611 echo1 echo for maximum lot coverage for primary
structure and required driveway of 38.5% in l of 35% for construction of a new single family home. >> Okay. Uh just a reminder uh a reminder each member of the public will be given three minutes to speak when we open the public hearing. Does any board member have any exparte communication?
>> I've had none. >> I've had none. >> Had none. >> And I've had none. Uh would the applicant please come forward to be sworn in and give their presentation? >> Sorry. Did you take one? >> Oh, no. I'm sorry, >> not so fast.
>> Good evening. Ian Brown here on behalf of the applicant. Um, can you swear me in? >> Madam Cler, >> please raise your right hand. State your name and address. >> Ian Brown, 245 Riverside AB, Jacksonville, Florida 3220.
Dur affirm that the testimony you're about to give in this matter is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. So, help you God. >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Um, we're here on I'm here on behalf of the Boyds. Uh, this is a I been working in real estate for decades.
This is a unique situation. Uh, the request I don't think is all that unique, but the reason we're here is a bit unique. Unfortunately, the Boyds suffered a fire. Um, this house has been deemed a total loss. Um, they unfortunately lost their family dog. It's been very disruptive and um
hopefully we're here to set them back on on a good path. The property uh not unlike others that we've been here together to discuss is non-conforming. We're in RS1. Uh this property is only 45 ft wide uh
versus the 90 foot RS1 requirement. Uh and the 9,000 ft. We'll get to it. This one's like 6,800 and change. But more importantly, it's 45 ft wide. the home and the and we'll get there's more photos. That's fine. The home on the front page since you have the peg there,
it doesn't appear when I first drew up on it does not appear as damage as a total loss, but I have more photos and an insurance letter indicating the total loss. So, moving on.
What are we seeking? Okay, you have that second page. Do you mind backing up just? Yeah. We go. Um, back to intro one more. Thanks. And I'll I'll try and I'll try and be efficient here. Um, so I'm going
to mention existing home because it's still there. I I think it's appropriate because the existing home, although it is a total loss, it's non-conforming. So, I like to describe how it's situated now. Um, built in 1980.
[clears throat] Not to disparrage this 1980 architect, but doesn't have a lot of unique architectural characteristics. It encroaches into both sideyard setbacks. Of course, it was built prior to our current LDC. Um, we're in RS1
where the side setbacks are 10. The existing, bear in mind that's the damaged home. The existing home setbacks are on the side 53 southerntherly, 93 northerly. And don't worry, I have an exhibit coming up. parcel platted circa
1930. So well before the LDC non-conforming lot of record. We're 45 ft wide. Minimum is 90. We're 6805. The minimum is 9,000. So when I first reached out to the planning department
to discuss this one, 90 foot minimum. We're 45. 90 is supposed to come along with tens. We discussed fives. Just kind of like a Solomon approach. We're half the width. And although we're not applying for that
much, that was something we initially discussed that was not objectionable to staff. Um, we decided to to not go that far. Um, the subject hardship was not created by the owner. This fire destroyed their homes completely unexpectedly and the proposed site plan
is narrowly tailored and I think you'll see fairly consistent with what was already there. And there's some improvements um from a code perspective. Uh next slide please. Executive summary. So what are we seeking?
Side setbacks and a little bit of coverage. Northeastly side we're going for a 73 in lie of 10. It was the damaged one was 93. So two feet there. Well two foot change. Southernly side
was 53. We're at five. So I mean kind of dimminimous just essentially leaving the southerntherly side where it was. We need a little more room on the northerly side for a modern contemporary floor plan lot coverage. We have an improvement here. So it's nice when you can have something improve per code. Um
39 in lie of 35. However, what's there now is 42. So we're actually should have better drainage, should have better permeability. It's a smaller the actual footprint of the new home is smaller. the the first floor footprint. The
envelope is smaller than what burned. Um, no relief for front, no relief for rear. And on that note, the front has some stairs that are designed to come up to uh to the access, but the building envelope is actually set back 6 and 1/2 ft further on the
front. The stairs are at the 25 foot, but the envelope is back 6 and 1/2 ft from what's already there. And the rear setback is we're at 45 ft from the rear. So we're, you know, we're not crowding that at all and we're improving sight coverage as I mentioned.
Next slide, please. Again, I'll try and be quick. Condition, it's damaged. It's burned. It's a total loss. It was 1980 construction. Um, we're on a narrow lot. the configuration. Even if someone said just
rebuild what's there, it's not a type of configuration you would want to rebuild in 2026 or 2027 when you get COD from this 1980s um floor plan. Uh it also what's there predates everything. Safety,
just to speak to the elephant in the room, this property burned. So fire, Florida building code, safety, modern materials, it's important. So there be new wiring, new a brand new home. This is not a remodel. This is be a new build
to current Florida building code. Uh beautifification and value. Some people roll their eyes at these, but I think this you look at the photo of the first page, what what they're going to build will add value and beautifification to this neighborhood. Next exhibit is an aerial
45ft lot, fairly narrow, rectangular. Let's go ahead and advance to the next slide, please. Survey. Um, this is existing survey, so not proposed. Um, 45 foot wide lot. I just wanted to point that out as evidence that it is in fact that width.
You won't, it's hard to tell from my exhibits. I really tried. That footprint is slightly larger than the footprint we're going to show you. Um, next slide, please. I zoomed in again. Tried my best. We've got existing up top, proposed down below.
I identified the side setbacks which is where relief is needed. So the top two are existing 93 to the north, 53 to the south. Proposed 73 and 50. Um also I will note um like I said this is a
smaller footprint. It's just the way it's configured is just two feet wider. Next page. So, as you walk up on the property, um, again, doesn't look all that bad, but
here's your driveway, your entrance, your sideyard. I did want to include existing photos. This is your sideyard. Um, the far right photos, sideyard, northerly. That is your current 9 foot three. It's actually, and I walked all this, it's fairly spacious over there.
Um, even with the new 73, plenty of room to traverse. Um, next photo. rear yard. Um, with the configuration of this property, there's a an abundance of rear yard. There's a lot of rear yard. It's a deep lot and there still will be.
Um, we're 45 ft off the rear yard even with the new construction. The far right photo labeled sideyard southerntherly. That is the current Southerntherly profile and it's five feet. And that's not the bumpout. That's five feet at the
envelope. Um, again, just to show that's what's already there. Next photo a little more disturbing. Here we have the fire damage interior photos. Uh structural damage. Um I don't do anything. I'm not a forensic
fire expert, but I mean it was deemed a total loss. So burn up into Joyce structural rafters. Next to are additional photos um postfire. Next exhibit.
I obscured some information that could be private and didn't really want leaving out there in the sunshine, but this is uh otherwise an exact um exhibit of the claim for total loss. I underlined in red the total loss only because some some people may doubt you
know so I wanted to reinforce um enjoyed working with uh planning department staff on this. We have on the next two pages we have satisfied for the planning department and the staff report all six criteria. Um
I don't necessarily need to read all of them here, but if we need to drill back into them, I think that um I we can reserve time. I'm happy to come back and do it, but um you know, the void did not create this issue. It's going to be a much safer, beautiful project. It's a small ask and they're improving lot
coverage. Um I think that's nice to you know, point out that there is an actual improvement to this property even on the code side. Um the footprint smaller. Um, so as far as perme, you know, these tight narrow lots, everyone's thinking about water,
so it should perk better, better permeability. You're not, you're two feet closer to the northerly, but you're the same to the south really as you were. Um, and safety and aesthetics. So, I'll pause there and, uh, stand by for any questions.
>> Uh, thank you. Have you talked to any of the neighbors about um, what they the rebuild that you intend to do? So, uh, we do have the owners here. I make myself available. No one reached out to me. I did see a letter on file from the
southernly neighbor. So, we have one neighbor. I don't I don't know if he's here tonight. If he is, I'd love to speak with him. But the and I don't know that there was a misperception, so I don't want to state too much, but we're at the same line. We're five on a 53.
So, I I wondered if, and again, I'll find out if they're here. I wonder if it was perceived that code is 10, we're asking for five. Are we getting five feet closer to his property? In reality, we're not. We're we're where it is now. But I again, I don't know who's here, so I don't want to oversp speak. I can stand by for questions. That's the only
um correspondence I've had outside of >> correspondence. I I do want to talk to you about that correspondence. Um it was submitted as part of our package to consider by a Mr. Jeff White, who I think is the southernly Yes.
So um he raises a couple issues here and I just want to discuss them with you and get your response. He goes through u the various factors for granting a uh a variance and um and he has addressed
each one. Uh do you have that letter in front of you or >> I did not include it in my packet. >> Okay. I'm going to paraphrase it as we walk through. >> I did read it. >> Okay. So the first one is special conditions and circumstances exist which are peculiar to the parcel of land uh
not applicable to other parcels of land or structures. And he says there are no unique conditions to this request. The property is a standard RS1 zoned lot. You understand that slot to be substandard as it is now under our current LDC. Right. >> Correct. Uh half the width.
>> Okay. All right. Number two is uh special circumstances and conditions do not result from the actions of the applicant. Um Mr. White writes, "Any claim hardship is self-created. The applicant acquired the property in 2021
uh knowing the RS1 zoning requirements." Um assuming that's correct that the applicant purchased this in 2021. There was a fire though in recently, right? In 2024. >> Correct. Well, the claim was the claim letter is 2025.
>> Okay. So, 2025. >> I do have the owners here. Uh we can speak to the >> Okay, that's fine. But it was after they purchased the home that the fire was in, right? >> Correct. >> Okay. And my understanding then is because the footprint of the existing
home that burned in the fire uh you even if it wasn't a total loss, you couldn't build back on that without uh a variance request because of the existing uh land development code and the changes in the setbacks. Correct.
>> So um Desski might go help me out with this. Generally a this is like a classic example of a legal non-conforming lot. So legal non-conforming lot burns down or whatever happens to a destruction it has to come back to current code. It's always the risk in buying non-conforming if you will like from a as it gets too
academic. However, I know Janesky's at his mic right now. Um there is there is some Jack Speech code specific to this and I don't want to launch it >> under a new their land development code. they are able to build it back to exactly how it was with the
non-conformities as long as they don't expand. But um staff supports it because you know he's bringing it back down on the sides and making it somewhat conforming. But if he wanted to build exactly how it was already at, he's able to do that as long as it's expanded further than what it was already was.
>> Right. Okay. Uh and then um uh I I just want to address number five, which is the grant of the variance is a minimum variance that will make possible the reasonable use of the parcel of land. You're actually asking now for less lot coverage than
>> correct. We're going down to 39 is currently 42. Um so our our envelope footprint is smaller. >> Okay. Thank you. That those are the questions I had. Anybody? >> Yeah, just one. Uh back to what is lab
labeled for our packet as slide nine. When we looked at the southernly yard setback, you you said um you made a statement, but I just want to make sure I understood correctly. The 5.3 that's existing for that sideyard setback is to the main structure, not the bumpout is
what I think I heard you say. So the bumpout is actually closer to the fence currently than 5.3 feet. >> Correct. Um I hate to pine but maybe it might be three. Okay. And the new structure that's proposed, will that
have any sort of bumpout or is that actually there by an effect farther from the fence than what's currently there? >> So the uh the owners are still as you guys are you see this a lot u elevations architecturals a lot of times because they're a bit pricey sometimes they're
lagging behind these site plan variance approvals. But what's contemplated on this side is so this particular side u Mr. mets with the southerntherly boundary. What will be five feet is actually um a narrow deck and rail that
allows them to come out of a kitchen and egress um to the ground floor. So, um and I can cl if I'm not making sense because I don't have an exhibit for you. The building envelope is actually proposed the way it's
designed now to be eight and then you have 3 ft of u a rail. It's a elevated deck but it does requires it goes into the setback and so and it would go to that same
>> the deck would go to the profile not the bumpout but the profile of what's currently there. >> Understood. Thank you. Okay. Any other questions? >> Okay. Sir, you could step back, please. Do we have any speakers cards?
>> Uh, no. We do have the letter that you articulated. I don't know if we need to to read the full thing. Um, but no speaker cards. >> Okay. Is there anyone in the audience uh who has not yet filled out a speaker card that wishes to speak? >> Uh, you do. Have you filled out a
speaker card, sir? >> No, not >> Oh, okay. So, um, why don't we do this? Do we have a speaker card? >> Sure. >> Uh, we have some speakers cards. Sir, if you want to uh go ahead and uh
be sworn in and then fill that out as soon as you're done, we could uh we could keep the the hearing going. Is there anyone else who hasn't filled out a speaker card? Owners and applicant. You don't have to uh fill out one. Just be sworn in. [clears throat]
>> Sorry. >> Please raise your right hand. State your name and address. Uh Jim White, the address that we are uh here for is uh 26 Street South. >> Your address? >> That's the address we that I'm here for.
I'm from here for my son. My son is not here. He is not able to come here tonight. >> Okay. Um do you swear or affirm that the testimony that you're about to give in this matter is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. So help you God. >> Yes.
I'm just trying to get an understanding here. Um, if the dimensions of the new house are smaller or narrower than the older home that was there that previously burned, is that my understanding? >> I believe that was a testimony, sir.
But, uh, just to direct your questions. >> I'm sorry. I'm sorry. So, that and if that's the case, then I don't see a problem, but my son is concerned particularly with the issue with uh when you get the heavy rains in the flooding. He had a problem with the neighbor on
the other side when she readjusted her property. His whole yard flooded and the water went right up into his house. And he's also concerned about the exact same thing now with the house if it's going to be closer to his fence where the drainage is going to go when there is a
heavy rain. And he's also concerned about issue with u privacy uh because the house is going to be closer. and he's just got a lot of concerns over the whole issue where especially where the driveway is going to be because if the rain runs down
there, you don't know what drains is going to be there and they're going to have uh the blocks and stuff for their driveway and where is the water going to soak into. So, I mean, it's he's concerned because
he does not want the issue again up against the other side of this house. So he he like I said, he couldn't be here tonight. He his wife were awake. She had a think for work. But um it's that's basically what he's concerned about. And
uh he's he's not there's nothing personal. He just wants to, you know, he's he's not for it for that reason because he doesn't want to have to spend a lot of money to turn around and possibly put drainage in his property again and to take care of any kind of issues with the flooding and the water
and stuff. So that's where you know his his problem is. So I mean that's basically what what what what's the what the issue with him. >> Okay. Thank you. Uh just fill out the speaker card, sir,
and please give it to the clerk when you're done. Is there anyone else who is um interested in speaking? >> Uh yeah. Uh hang on just one minute. No other speakers. Okay. Uh would the applicant and/or owner like to come
forward and address anything that's been uh discussed thus far. >> Ian Brown, uh Mr. Boy right behind me. Um on [clears throat] Mr. White's testimony, couple things just to reiterate. The the property on the
Southernly side is not closer. I can see where he may have thought that because applied as a five in lie of 10, it's already at five. Also, as I mentioned in my prior testimony, three feet of that is actually decking. So, the building
envelopes further away. Our site coverage is lower by 3%. I believe it will improve perk and water containment. The builder is here. I don't want to get out of my uh depth, no pun intended, but um the elev the site doesn't get
elevated. The FFE, the finished floor elevation, I don't want to lecture anybody. You have the foundation, the stem wall, they fill it with dirt, then concrete. That's the FF, not the whole site. So, I can understand somebody having concern about new construction, but the site does not the site is not
raised. The finished floor of the home is via stem wall and dirt. Hopefully I'm making sense. Um, and I know that and Mr. Boyd's here. He does not want to intrude on privacy. He's even considering uh roof designs to allow
more uh sun for his neighbors. So, >> uh, Mr. Boyd, do you want to be sworn in? [clears throat] >> Please raise your right hand. State your name and address. >> My name is William James Boyd. I live at 28042nd Street South, Jacksonville Beach, Florida, 32250. >> Do you swear or affirm that the
testimony you're about to give in this matter is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? So, hope you got it. >> I do. >> Thank you. >> Good evening. So, unfortunately, early September, we suffered a house fire. Um the um investigations were inconclusive
to the exact cause. Um, we believe that potentially a rodent may have gotten up into the wall behind the stucco, chewed wires and that [clears throat] uh initiated the fire that spread up and over vated ceilings. The entire inside of the house was uh shiplaped in pine
that was uh put there in 1980, so there wasn't a lot of moisture to slow it down. Uh in about two hours, actually um Mr. White's son, Jeff, who's a firefighter, he actually is the first person who responded. He actually is a firefighter. um with with Jack with
Jacksonville and he actually uh called me to let me know the house was burning and he called the fire department. They came over and um they did the best they could to salvage, you know, what was left. Um but unfortunately the house was deemed by the insurance company a total loss, structural damage as Ian
described. Um, so what our vision was was we wanted to respect the neighbors. Uh, because we have a very tightknit community down here. Um, we live very close to our neighbors. The houses are all very tall
and they're very close together. When you look up, they almost look like they're touching. Um, and uh, and we also understand that the whites next to us, their house is built quite low. Um, they're I don't have a survey. have not seen a survey of their uh their base
elevation, but it is quite low. And so Jeff and Erica, our neighbors, they do suffer from flooding um when there is a significant amount of rain. Um we're very aware of that. Um and we know that the neighbor to his south um built a new home because it was flooded. It was
built at about the same uh elevation as his house. It flooded. Insurance company deemed it a loss, rebuilt the house. They built a big house there. I believe they are taking up a significant portion of the land. Um, and it's a potential
that that construction has caused some of the drainage issues that have affected the whites lot. And so we're well aware of that and we want to make sure that we are doing our best to mitigate um, you know, any further uh,
issue with with his drainage. So, what we wanted to do is build a house on essentially the same footprint as the old house. Um, because a lot's so narrow. If we conform to the 10-ft setbacks, we would essentially have a two-car garage and a little bit extra on the side and we'd have a bit of a
shotgun house um and hard to work with. So, we wanted to build the house on the same foundation essentially. And we also wanted to build a beautiful house um that would be a house that the neighbors would drive by um and it would bring improvements to the neighborhood.
it would be something aesthetically pleasing for everyone um in a place that neighbors could come and gather. Thus, the front porch design would be something open and inviting. Um and we wanted to make sure that the house uh the architecture of the house uh was very much Jack's Beach. Um so we hired
the best builder in J Beach, the best architect in J Beach to uh realize our dreams and so here we are now asking for variance. Um, we do have that uh side deck as I had mentioned on the south side. Um, it's essentially a catwalk
with a small stair that uh hugs right up next to the house and that gives us an additional egress from the second floor. Um, obviously we just suffered a fire and we're we're looking at ways to make sure that uh we don't trap a dog in again. Um, and that we all have a a safe
way of of getting out of the house. Um, and that gives us a little bit of extra comfort uh and and a margin of safety to make sure that we can do that. Um, we also uh wanted the roof line of the house to come to a center peak that gives both of our neighbors um a little
bit more room to breathe, a little bit more air and a little bit more sunlight. So, we think that um this is going to be generally an overall improvement to the neighborhood. >> That's all I've got. If anybody has any questions, be happy to answer. I I don't have any questions. Any member
of the board have any questions? >> No. >> Okay, sir. You can step back. >> Seeing that there's no more speakers cards, I'll now close the public hearing and bring the item back to the board for discussion. Is there a motion? >> I make a motion to approve BOA number 25-100098 based on the substantial competent
evidence presented in the staff report and all relevant testimony presented in the hearing and that the motion meets all the standards for variances outlined in section 34-572 of the Jacksonville Beach Land Development Code. I second the motion. >> Okay, it's been moved and seconded. Uh discussion.
>> I think it's a very uh well articulated uh presentation. Appreciate that from the applicant. They've addressed all six conditions. It is an undersized lot and it is uh undersized in width as well. 45 ft is extremely narrow. Um it it seems
the applicant has taken deep consideration of the previous uh existing structure and tried to uh meet the needs of the neighborhood. Uh as presented by the applicant, uh the 5- foot uh near the southernard setback
will be for decking. And so the structure will actually be a greater distance from the neighboring home creating additional uh space for for more privacy as presented by the applicant. The coverage is going down uh
which is going to help with the permeability and also brings it closer to our existing land development code. looking at the RS1 um size for a standard lot relative to this size uh even at the 42% well below what a
typical lot would receive for coverage. So I I I think it's appreciated um by all involved that they were able to get that down even further. So uh for all those reasons I I would say that this has demonstrated that it meets all six conditions. I would uh just point out
that the uh applicant's agent uh has addressed the concerns of the neighbor uh and uh that we walk through each of the major areas of concern u including drainage uh privacy and um overreach
with this uh rebuild being significantly less um in size um for lot coverage for um for what's being built back. So, thank you. Um, I don't have any other comments. Can we have a roll call vote,
please? >> Matt Mets, >> yes. >> Karen Dardy, >> yes. >> Gary Hockett, >> yes. >> Owen Curley, >> yes. Your request for variance has been approved.
>> We call the last case, please. Board calls case number BOA2-100099. Property address 1823 Sable Palm Lane sections to consider. 34-611 Echo1 Charlie 2 for sideyard setbacks of 7 ft in L of 10 ft for construction of a
new single family home. >> Okay, just a reminder each member of the public will be given three minutes to speak when we open the public hearing. Um does any board member have any exparte communication? I've had none. >> I've had none. >> None.
>> And I've had none. Would the applicant please come forward to be sworn in and give their presentation? >> Please raise your right hand. Name your state your name and address. >> Ryan Weatherhold, 1912 Street South, Jacksonville Beach. >> Do you swear or affirm that the
testimony you're about to give in this matter is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. So help God. >> Yes. Go ahead sir. >> Wait before the applicant starts. Um staff did make a mistake on advertising it. We advertised it at seven and eight
sideyard setbacks but the applicant's actually asking for seven feet in le of 10 and um the director approved the um seven feet for both sideyards. Correct. >> Yes. That gives us a little more leeway. >> Yeah. Seven both instead of seven and eight how it was advertised. It was a
typo. >> Okay. So we're okay though with the advertisement. >> Heather said it was okay to um review it for the seven sideear setbacks for both instead of seven and eight. >> Okay. >> Go ahead, sir. Sorry. >> And and part of that confusion is the
shape of the lot. It's irregular. It's narrow than code. Uh kind of pie shapes there. So, there's a number of factors into play as far as this lot being platted differently than the rest of them.
Um, you know, if it was a rectangular lot, the plane would fit no problem. Um, but being it does angle back, um, that's that's part of the crux as well. So, you know, it's multiple issues with with just the overall size of it. Um, we're
trying to provide adequate parking. Um, you know, a fair look, you know, to fit in the neighborhood and, uh, this what we came up with. Staff's got their, you know, report for you guys. That look great. I'll be glad to answer any questions. Hopefully, this is a lot simpler than the last one.
>> Did do have you spoken to your neighbors about this? >> I I have not. I've just been out there kind of poking around and and I haven't seen a lot of them. You know, I live close by and been, you know, since we purchased it 10 12 times, but really
have not bumped into anyone. I know people around there, but I don't know anyone on that immediate street. Uh any questions? Does any board member have any questions? >> Okay, sir, you could step back, please.
>> Uh do we have any speakers cards? >> Yes, we have one speaker card. Uh Chelsea Sweeney, address 1718 Sable Palm Lane. >> Please raise your right hand. State your name and address.
>> Uh Chelsea Sweeney, 1718 Sable Palm Lane, Jacksonville Beach. Do you swear or affirm that the testimony you're about to give in this matter is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. So, I hope you got it. >> I do. >> Go ahead, ma'am. >> All right. Thank you all for the
opportunity to address you tonight. I wanted to come and just raise my concerns as a neighbor of this property. Um, it appears to me that an entity has purchased this property. Um, I've not seen a person actually living at the
house. Um the concerns that I have regarding this request for the variance of the ordinance are that um one given some of the variance um conditions that I've heard tonight. For example,
applicant hardship and this not being of the applicant's own doing, I'm not hearing that criteria being met for this particular variance request. This is a new purchase. The house was recently sold. It appears to me this is a request for a new construction. there is an existing home on the lot that actually
does fit the neighborhood um as it stands today and so I'm not hearing that variance criteria being met tonight. I'm also not hearing the need for a min minimum v variance request for reasonable use of this property given
that there is an existing home that is serving its purpose fits in with the neighborhood. Um Mr. Boyd said it well when he said that in his neighborhood the houses are all built very close together. They are all very tall and when you look up it looks like they're all touching. That's not the way it is
in my neighborhood. It is a quiet little neighborhood of houses that were built in the 1960s. A lot of them have been updated. A lot of them have um there is some new construction in the neighborhood, but there's space between the houses and it's beautiful and it's something that sets our neighborhood
apart from others in Jacksonville Beach. something that sets the beach more broadly apart from other places and it's something that I think is worth protecting. Um allowing these variances for new construction sets a precedent and today the request is for 7 feet in
lie of 10 ft. Tomorrow the request is going to be for 5T in lie of 10 feet for a new build. This um request is different in kind from all that the board has heard tonight. The board has heard requests from homeowners who are looking to expand on to existing homes
that they've owned for years or to replace a home that they lost in a fire to improve the level of pvious surface in the yard. That is not the nature of this request. And so, um, respectfully, I am raising my concerns with this request and respectfully I would request
that the ordinance be upheld for this, um, new construction. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Uh would the applicant uh was there any more speakers cards? Anybody else in the audience wants to speak? Would the applicant uh like to
come forward and address any of the comments that were made? >> I don't disagree with her points. I've lived here my whole life. Um understand where she's coming from. Unfortunately, you know, I didn't plat this lot and I didn't write that land development code,
building code. It just doesn't match up. Um the front right corner does conform. It's actually more than 10 ft. Um there's no existing garage with the home now. Um you know, it's kind of a tight driveway. Um yes, this is an ask on
three sides. We did our best to make this work. It's a one-story home. It's very much going to fit in the neighborhood. um build a similar home down the way that you know trying to model this somewhat after but scaling it down. So you know this is a really a
scaled down version to fit this particular lot. Um the entity is me. I live here. I went to Fletcher. Been here my whole life. Um so I'm not trying to pull any make it a bigger better house. It's
barely 2,000 square feet. It's a four bedroomedroom, two bath home with a twocar garage, a sufficient driveway, you know, a mid minimal patio. We're well below our lot coverage. We conform to the front, the rear. Um it's just an
odd shaped lot and uh to make it work. We we we need a bit of leniency, which has been granted in the past, and we feel like it's very reasonable. We're not trying to stretch this by any means. Okay, thank you. Uh, seeing how we no
more speakers cards, I will now close the public hearing and bring the item back to the board for discussion. Is there a motion? I make a motion to approve BOA number 25-100099 based on the substantial competent evidence presented in the staff report
and all relevant testimony presented at this hearing and that the motion meets all the standards for a variances outlined in section 34-572 of the Jacksonville Beach Land Development Code. >> Uh any discussion?
Yeah, the lot is uh unders sized in width as relative to the zoning that it is in which justifies a hardship for consideration. Reading through the six criteria that we have to review uh and
and hearing the testimony from the public as well, uh the one that does stand out is whether this would be uh the minimum uh use for the lot. uh as with the land development code being rewritten that uh criteria is currently
stated as the variance requested if granted will make a reasonable use of the parcel of land, building or structure. Um it it does appear reasonable. There's uh you know clearly lots throughout the community that that have this level of uh sideyard setback
uh broadly across Jacksonville Beach. Um, as presented by the applicant, uh, at the front of the property, the full setback is is there on one side. It's really the oblong shape of the lot that that constricts the residence um on the
back corner that takes it down to seven feet on that side. So, um there are conditions which are specific to this lot um that hinder the ability to develop relative to the zone that it is
in that are not the creation of the applicant and the proposed use does appear to be reasonable for the parcel of land. >> Question. I I would agree and uh I I would just add that
the the owner of the land, the owner of record and the intended use are not within the purview of the board. And so while um I recognize the public's concern about who is purchasing these um
lots, uh unfortunately it's not within our um jurisdiction or perview or consideration. Um so use is not what we uh can base anything on any decision
that we have on and also that there are special circumstances which are unique to this and it was pointed out again that the shape of this lot does create um a non-conforming parcel and that those are special
circumstances that didn't result from the actions of the applicant. Uh, I would point out that this is not a land grab. We're not looking at lot coverage increase. Um, and so I applaud the applicant for his u
his minimum uh request even though um with a new land development code, it's the grant of a variance is the minimum variance that will make possible the reasonable use of the parcel of land.
So, uh, I hope in in saying this that my comments, uh, address the concerns of the public, uh, and, uh, to thank them for coming. All right. Any other comments, discussion? Okay. Can we have a roll
call vote, please? >> Karen Dardy, >> yes. >> Matt Mets, >> yes. >> Gary Hockett, >> yes. >> Owen Curley, >> yes. Uh your request of variance has been approved. Uh moving on, uh we have
the planning department report. >> Um as you guys know, we have two members. Um we didn't tell you the right thing before. You are actually a member and then you're an alternate. So um next time you are able to speak on topics and
be more involved. And um our next meeting will be February 3rd and we have two items so far. >> Okay. And do we have to set a date for the annual organizational meeting? >> Then we have to have a vote. Don't we
have to vote in the chairperson and the vice chair? >> Yeah. I think we were waiting for the new members [clears throat] today. I think it was supposed to be for today, but Jody left. >> Do I do it next time? >> Yeah, I'll talk to tomorrow. >> It'll be February 3rd is our next
meeting. >> Yes. >> And I'm sorry. How many items? >> Um, two items. >> Pretty simple. >> Only two. >> Okay. And now it's my favorite courtesy of the floor to visitors. Anyone? Anyone? We don't even got a police
officer tonight. >> I didn't want to put that on camera. Thanks. There [laughter] you go. I mean, he's back there. Okay. Uh, is there a motion to adjurnn? >> I move to adjurnn. >> Is it been second it? >> Second. >> All in favor? I
>> opposed. >> Okay. Thank you.