County staff backs carport setback variance, homeowner says carport will remain clear of pavement

Polk County staff presented LDLVAR202643 seeking to reduce a right-of-way setback from 15 feet to 1 foot for a carport at 927 Micanopy Drive. Planner Aaliyah Nglima said the house sits close to the roadway and that physical constraints (parcel shape and a 20-foot drainage easement) justify the variance. Staff recommended approval to allow efficient use of the property.

Contractor Alan Davidson and homeowner Deborah Erdman told the hearing the carport will remain approximately 15 feet from the actual edge of pavement and will not interfere with utilities or drainage. "Approval of this variance will allow for efficient use of the applicant's property," the planner stated. The hearing officer closed public testimony with no opposition present; a written order is expected in about a week to ten days.