Board approves large pergola and oversized shed in Chapel Trail despite HOA objections

The Pembroke Pines Board of Adjustment on Thursday approved variances allowing a Chapel Trail homeowner to keep an oversized freestanding pergola and an enlarged shed.

The board granted ZVR2025-0029 to permit a 489-square-foot open-sided freestanding structure instead of the 200-square-foot limit in the city code, and ZBR2025-0530 to legalize a 204-square-foot shed where the code allows 100 square feet. Both motions passed after public comment and discussion about homeowners association approvals and post-construction permits.

Property owner Jessica Stokes said the pergola and shed are intended for family gatherings and storage, noting the corner, lakeside lot is larger than typical lots in the neighborhood and that she obtained what she believed to be the necessary approvals. "We have taken all of the proper steps," Stokes told the board, adding she had engineering drawings and a master association letter in the packet dated April 1, 2025.

Neighbors and members of local association boards told the board they had not received or approved the pergola application through the local architectural review process. Gerald Meyer, who said he serves on an association board, said the shed and tree removals did not go through the community’s procedures and that the shed encroached on the setback. Donald Reid, who identified himself as a long-time local board member and neighbor, said the local sub-association had disapproved the pergola at a recent meeting and warned that granting the variance could create precedent and put local boards at odds with the city.

Staff advised the board that the Chapel Trail PUD was silent on freestanding open-sided structures and that the city’s land development code applies. Staff confirmed a building permit application for the pergola (RX25-3730) was on file and said the case would require landscape mitigation for removed trees. Staff also noted an after-the-fact permit process was under way for the shed.

Board members debated tabling the item to allow applicants to resolve outstanding HOA process questions, but ultimately voted. For the pergola variance (ZVR2025-0029) the roll call recorded Member Pitts as No, Member Amira as Yes, Vice Chair Brito as Yes, and Member Kroll as Yes; the motion passed. For the shed variance (ZBR2025-0530) the vote was recorded as Member Pitts Yes, Member O’Meara Yes, Vice Chair Brito Yes, and Chairman Crowell Yes; that motion also passed.

After the vote, board members and staff reminded the owner to complete remaining permitting steps and to work with the landscape division to mitigate tree loss. Stokes said she would follow up with both the local and master associations and with city staff to finish outstanding items.

Votes at a glance:
ZVR2025-0029 — pergola (489 sq ft vs. 200 allowed): approved (Pitts: No; Amira: Yes; Brito: Yes; Kroll: Yes).
ZBR2025-0530 — shed (204 sq ft vs. 100 allowed): approved (Pitts: Yes; O’Meara: Yes; Brito: Yes; Crowell: Yes).

The board advised the property owner to finalize required permits and to coordinate with association representatives and city staff on outstanding items.