Board denies request to allow oversized ADU at Rumack Street, votes 6–1

The Escambia County Board of Adjustment voted 6–1 on Sept. 16 to deny an applicant’s request to allow an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) larger than limits established in the Land Development Code for lots under two acres. Staff told the board that LDC Section 4‑7.3 limits accessory structures on lots smaller than two acres to no more than 50% of the primary dwelling’s gross floor area (≈675 sq. ft. for this site) and described the applicant’s proposal for a two‑story elevated ADU totaling about 1,600 sq. ft. as exceeding the minimum relief that could be granted under the code.

Applicant Marty Donovan said the lot’s unusual shape and flood‑zone location require an elevated two‑story footprint of 800 sq. ft. per level and that a 675‑sq. ft. limit would impose an unreasonable hardship: "We're proposing 2 stories, of 800 each," he said, describing the design as a modest two‑bedroom retirement home that would be largely hidden by trees from the street. Neighbors and one speaker questioned prior lot changes and expressed concern about size; staff and county counsel emphasized the statutory language and the subordinate‑use intent for ADUs.

After extended questioning about hardship, minimum relief and subordination, a motion to adopt staff findings to deny the size variance passed 6–1. Staff noted the applicant could seek other options (e.g., reconfiguring lots or applying for a different approval) or appeal the decision.