by SC Reporter Emilie Alfino
The Sanibel Planning Commission on April 8 approved an application to allow for elevating the residence at 1495 Angel Drive by 10 feet 3 inches.
A previous amendment to the Land Development Code capped the allowance for elevation at 10 feet, and Commissioner Lyman Welch questioned whether that should be changed if they were allowing an additional three inches.
The application was for a variance and had to meet the seven required conditions to be approved. In response to the seven questions, the applicant wrote, “Applicant wishes to elevate her home because ALL neighboring houses are elevated more than 10 feet above her.” In addition, the response said they are seeking relief from the restrictive minimum standards likely to result in destruction during storm events of only Category II, and to comply with FEMA best practices and anticipate forthcoming increases in recommended elevations. It also said the elevation is necessary for the “rhythm and harmony” of the neighborhood to “combat the visual and aesthetic oddity of one house in the neighborhood not being elevated the same as the others and presenting a stunted eyesore under the requirements of that section.”
In the city staff’s report, they said, “While maintaining a lower building height is important to preserve the character of the community, elevating the principal structure is essential to mitigate storm-related damage. Additionally, the immediate neighboring one- and two-story principal structures are elevated.”
City staff found the proposed variance complies with all seven variance standards and recommended approval of the application with the following conditions:
1. The unpermitted pavers must be removed to bring the property into compliance with impervious coverage and developed area.
2. A building permit, in conjunction with a development permit, is required for the work approved under this variance.
3. A final elevation certificate and as-built survey are required as final documents with the building permit to allow staff to verify that the property complies with the approved plans.
City staff was in agreement that the house at 1495 Angel Drive can be elevated so that its lowest habitable floor is 10 feet 3 inches above existing grade and will be allowed to exceed the height limitation proportionally.
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