Board approves five variances for Allison Island home to address privacy and noise concerns

The Miami Beach Board of Adjustment voted May 1 to approve five variances for ZBA 2601996, an application affecting a single‑family home at 300 Allison Island.

Planning staff described the lot as long and narrow with existing legal nonconforming paved areas and a pool configuration that predates current pervious‑open‑space rules. Staff recommended approval of the variances, saying they were “the minimal necessary” to improve privacy and provide noise mitigation for a rear yard that faces 63rd Street and nearby high‑rise development.

Property owner Adrian Pardo told the board the home, which fronts a busy section of 63rd Street, faces regular traffic noise and pedestrian activity. "Between all the noise and the security and the privacy, that's why we are here today requesting these variances," Pardo said, describing plans for an open‑air pergola and a higher wall to improve privacy and security.

Board members asked technical questions about whether the proposed wall would materially reduce sound and about the property's legal nonconforming paved area. Staff explained that the pool and paved areas predate current code and that the requested reductions in setbacks and open space were modest relative to the lot's constraints. One board member said he frequently drives 63rd Street and sympathized with the applicant's hardship related to traffic noise.

A board member moved to approve the five requested variances; another member seconded the motion and the board voted in favor. The motion approved variances to allow a side‑facing street wall up to 8 feet, reduced accessory‑structure side/rear setbacks, and a reduced rear‑yard permeable open space calculation to permit an accessory pergola structure.

What happens next

Standard conditions attach to granted variances, including requirements for compliant plans and permitting. Staff indicated it will finalize the draft order and conditions for the record.

Authorities and procedural notes

Staff cited the property's legal nonconforming status for paved areas and explained how older pools and site grading affect the pervious open‑space calculation under current code.