Planning board approves small lot-coverage variance for RV carport at 28 Montrano Ave

The St. Augustine Planning & Zoning Board voted to approve a variance that increases the lot-coverage limit at 28 Montrano Avenue from 25% to 26.1% to allow construction of a covered RV carport.

Staff described the amended application as narrowed from an earlier request: the applicant reduced the structure size and moved it within required setbacks, leaving only a 1.1 percentage-point increase in lot coverage. Scott Ross, the applicant, testified and confirmed the reduced footprint when sworn. Staff told the board the proposal met the variance criteria in section 28.1-29 and that letters of support from neighboring properties were on file.

Board members discussed the property’s irregular lot shape and the small size of the requested increase. One member said the modification “fits within the required setbacks” and noted neighbors seemed amenable; another noted the lot’s nonrectangular geometry as a reason for flexibility. The applicant said the structure’s eave height would be 13 feet.

A motion to approve PCB-2026-0018, increasing lot coverage to 26.1%, passed in a roll-call vote recorded by the clerk. The board attached no additional conditions other than that the structure remain within the revised footprint.

The action allows the applicant to move forward with building permits consistent with the approved variance and the city’s review procedures. The board’s packet notes the decision was based on staff review of section 28.1-29 and on the applicant’s revised plans and neighbor support.