Land Use Hearing Officer - 2026-01-12

Eric and LaJoyce Houston requested a 25-foot maximum encroachment into the 30-foot wetland conservation area setback for single-family residential construction, resulting in a 5-foot remaining setback. A wetland setback compensation plan with plantings was provided. No opposition was voiced.

Louisa I Alonzo requested a 6.8-foot variance to the 15-foot front porch setback requirement, resulting in an 8.2-foot setback. An open code compliance violation HCCMP24000134 exists related to the front porch. Town and Country Park Civic Association president Scott Gonzales spoke in opposition, citing pattern of unpermitted construction on the property.

Majella Poubles requested an 11-foot variance to the 15-foot front yard setback for an accessory structure (resulting in 4-foot setback) and a 2-foot variance to allow a 6-foot fence in the front yard. The structure is a shed/office for home business use with no kitchen or bathroom. Neighbors Jeff Bishaga and John Lutkus spoke in opposition, alleging the structure resembles a dwelling and that plumbing was installed without permits.

Elazar Garza Zapata requested a 5.5-foot variance to the 10-foot front porch projection limit in the AS-1 zoning district, resulting in a 15.5-foot intrusion into the 50-foot required front yard. The porch was already constructed. No opposition was voiced.

Kelly Gutierrez requested variances for Osmel Martinez's property: 3-foot variance for screen enclosure side yard (0 feet), 2.2-foot variance for screen enclosure rear yard (0.8 feet), 4.9-foot variance for covered patio side yard (0.1 feet), and 9.1-foot variance for covered patio rear yard (0.9 feet). Two covered areas toward the front of the home have been removed. Easement vacate B250003 was approved.

Tiffany Lane requested a variance to reduce minimum upland requirements for septic use to allow a lot split. One parcel would have 0.20 acres of upland, the second would have 0.29 acres. Health department approval for septic system was obtained. Property has city water. No opposition was voiced.

Melva Rodriguez requested a 5.14-foot variance to the 25-foot front yard setback (resulting in 19.86 feet) and a 4.68-foot variance to the 7.5-foot side yard setback (resulting in 2.82 feet) for existing structures. The property has a 1950s structure that was remodeled by previous owners. No opposition was voiced.

Peter McConaughey (represented by Todd Amadin of Landmark Engineering and builder Chris Torres of Miranda Homes) requested a variance to allow a 6-foot semi-private fence within the 30-foot rural scenic easement for a single-family residential development. Applicant agreed to set fence back 2 feet from easement edge to allow plantings.

Kevin McNamara requested a 1-foot 2.25-inch variance to the 25-foot front yard setback (resulting in 23 feet 7.75 inches) and an 11-foot variance to the 25-foot rear yard setback (resulting in 14 feet) to rebuild his home damaged by Hurricane Helena flooding. The home will be elevated approximately 13 feet above street level with garage underneath. Property is in Dana Shores neighborhood.

Gautamukumar Ramanini requested an 11-foot variance for accessory dwelling side yard setback (resulting in 4 feet) and a 9-foot variance for accessory structure side yard setback (resulting in 6 feet). Structures were present when property was purchased in July 2024. Code compliance citation HCCMP2500000041 was issued. Staff confirmed accessory dwelling appeared on 2016 aerial and metal shed on 2018 aerial.

Gregory La Chapelle and Sharon Gianata requested a 3-foot variance to the 5-foot side yard setback (resulting in 2 feet) to add a solid roof with gutters to existing screen lanai in Traditions at Villa Rosa HOA. HOA approval received 10/17/2025. Neighbor Denise Himes at 4731 Corsage Drive spoke in opposition citing concerns about water runoff, fire hazards, and loss of light.

Maria Rodriguez (represented by Terry Haley) requested a two-COP beer and wine permit for La Esquina Sabrosa restaurant at 2730 West Waters Avenue with distance waivers: residential separation reduced from 250 feet to 126.2 feet, Oak Grove United Methodist Church separation reduced from 500 feet to 184 feet, and Faith Baptist Church separation reduced from 500 feet to 384 feet. Wet zone footprint of 2,762 square feet. Staff recommended approval. No opposition was voiced.