Board approves variance for detached carport at Seminole home

The Pinellas County Board of Adjustment and Appeals voted to grant a conditional variance Sept. 3 to allow the construction of an approximately 360-square-foot detached carport at 1296470 Fourth Avenue North in unincorporated Seminole. The board approved the variance after staff recommended conditional approval.

The board’s decision allows the carport to be built with a seven-foot side setback from the western property line where 15 feet is normally required in the RE zone. The property owner, Tom Hurst, told the board the carport is intended to shelter his recreational vehicle and that the proposed design will match the roof color and overall height of the existing one-story single-family residence.

Staff summarized site constraints, saying the 0.69-acre lot contains natural features and existing vegetation that limit accessory-structure locations and that the applicant intends to preserve trees and install screening. The staff recommendation included standard conditions: obtain all permits and fees, keep the carport unenclosed, and return to the board if modifications are proposed.

Board members moved and seconded the motion to approve “in accordance with the findings of fact as outlined in the staff report.” There were no objectors at the hearing; the final vote recorded by the clerk was 5–1 in favor.

The variance is conditional on building permits and on meeting all other applicable setbacks and land‑development requirements; any enclosure or structural change to the carport will require the applicant to return to the Board of Adjustment and Appeals for further review.