Homeowners Seek Variance for Life-Changing Porch Addition

In a recent government meeting, a request for a variance to modify property setbacks was approved, allowing a homeowner in the Sandpiper Golf and Country Club Subdivision to construct an enclosed porch. The homeowner, whose family is currently facing health challenges, sought a reduction in the rear setback from the standard 15 feet to 5 feet, along with a 10-foot variance. The property, located at 5728 Crane Drive, is a 0.13-acre lot with a home built in 1993.

Audrey Maguire, a senior planner with the community and economic development department, presented the case, highlighting the shallow depth of the lot as a significant hardship. The existing home is already positioned approximately 15 feet from the property line, making it difficult to add a screen room without the requested variance. The proposed structure would be situated about 5 feet from the rear property line, which abuts a golf course, minimizing potential impacts on neighboring properties.

The board unanimously approved the variance, citing that the request was reasonable and proportionate to the hardship faced by the applicant. The decision aligns with previous approvals for similar variances in the area, reinforcing the community's support for accommodating homeowners' needs.

Additionally, the meeting addressed another variance request from Jacqueline Dunn, seeking permission to increase the height of a residential fence from the maximum allowable 6 feet to 8 feet at her property on Village Lakes Boulevard. The request was presented by John Gerlach, a board member of the Villages at Bridgewater Community Association, indicating ongoing discussions about community standards and property modifications. Further details on this request were not disclosed during the meeting.