Safety Harbor Board approves variances for backyard playhouse and golf-cart shed at 605 6th Street South

The City of Safety Harbor Board of Appeals voted to approve three variances for an accessory structure at 605 6th Street South on March 13, allowing the two-level golf‑cart shed and playhouse to be located closer to the primary dwelling, closer to the lot line, and to exceed the local 12‑foot height limit.

Marcy Stedmarck, the city’s community development director, told the board that staff reviewed the application against the city’s variance criteria and found the request did not meet criteria 1, 2 and 5 (unique physical conditions, reasonable use, and self‑creation). "The staff finding is that it does not meet 1, 2, and 5," Stedmarck said, and reminded members that any approval must be supported by substantial competent evidence in the record.

The applicants, represented by attorney Kent Runnels, urged the board to grant relief. Runnels described the structure as "a 10 by 6 foot golf cart shed with a little playhouse on top" and characterized the combined relief sought as modest: "So we've got a total of 55 inches in variances we're seeking." He said the structure is largely hidden by mature trees, is not visible from the street, and provides a play space for neighborhood children.

Property owner Benjamin (Ben) Brown told the board he accepts responsibility for not applying for permits before construction and described why the structure was built during COVID. "I certainly take full responsibility for not following the proper procedures," Brown said, adding that the playhouse was intended to give local children a nearby, shaded place to play and that removing it would impose financial hardship.

Board members questioned whether county (Pinellas County) building and hurricane‑load reviews would still be required; staff confirmed that county permitting and inspections remain necessary even if the board approves the variances.

During deliberations, members split over how to apply the code. Some members said the structure’s concealment, limited visual impact, and use as golf‑cart storage with a small play area supported approval. Others emphasized the need to base any approval explicitly on the variance criteria; the city attorney cautioned that a decision not grounded in the written criteria could be overturned if legally challenged.

A motion to approve variance 2024‑02 covering all three requested sections carried on a roll‑call vote: Yes — Ally Schuff, Lorraine Duffy Suarez, Heather Norton, Colin Young, Christina Novisk, Miguel Hicks; No — Susan Case. The board approved the variances, but the applicants still must obtain any required county building permits and inspections before the structure can remain or be used in its current form.

The board closed the item and concluded the meeting after recognizing departing members for their service.