Tampa council overturns ARC denials, approves variances for 842 South Boulevard

Tampa City Council voted unanimously to overturn two denials by the Architectural Review Commission and grant variances for 842 South Boulevard, allowing an alley-side garage entrance to sit closer to the alley and reducing an accessory structure's north-yard setback.

Dana Crosby-Collier introduced the appeal, telling the council the hearing was a de novo review and that council could consider evidence beyond the ARC record. Ron Vila, a planner with historic preservation, walked the council through staff photos and maps, describing the triangular lot and the contributing accessory structure at the rear of the parcel.

Architect Sol Fleischman Jr., speaking for the owner, said the accessory garage dates to the early 1900s and that the existing configuration makes meeting contemporary vehicle sizes impractical. "We are asking for a eight-foot extension and that's all," Fleischman said, describing the proposal as compatible with the district and consistent with nearby alley-access garages.

Councilmember Lynn Hurtak moved to overturn the ARC and approve the north-yard setback reduction to one foot, nine and a half inches; Councilmember Luis Viera seconded. Hurtak said the structure is vested and that the small addition responds to modern vehicle sizes. The motion carried unanimously.

Councilmember Guido Maniscalco then moved to overturn the ARC and approve the alley entrance setback variance (from 18 feet to 6 feet, 6 inches), a motion seconded by Councilwoman Hurtak; it also passed unanimously. Transportation staff had previously clarified alley-access dimensions and shown nearby examples of shorter setbacks.

By overturning the ARC decisions, council applied the local variance criteria and concluded that, for these two narrow exceptions, the requested changes would not substantially injure neighboring properties and would be consistent with the historic design pattern in Hyde Park. The approvals carry instructions consistent with the council's findings and the hearing record.