Board grants two zoning variances for 415 Aragon Avenue to clear permit hold-up

Coral Gables — The Coral Gables Historic Preservation Board voted May 21 to grant two zoning variances for 415 Aragon Avenue, actions staff described as necessary to resolve issues identified during building‑permit review and to allow previously approved design plans to proceed to permitting.

Staff told the board the variances emerged after a more detailed permit review and that one variance concerns an existing detached garage (an existing nonconforming west-side setback of 4 ft where current code would typically require 5 ft or more). The second variance concerns the east‑side setback for a proposed addition; the applicant requested roughly a 6 ft 3 in east-side setback where the code interpretation required about 11 ft in the current lot configuration.

Architect Al Repose (presenting) described the discrepancy as an oversight during earlier zoning review: “zoning missed it,” he said, explaining that the variances are needed for the design previously approved by the board to meet building‑permit requirements and move forward to construction.

The board approved a variance to allow the detached garage to remain at its existing 4‑ft west side setback (motion by Mr. Garcia‑Pons), then approved a second variance to allow the new addition to sit as proposed with a roughly 6‑ft‑3‑in east setback (second motion by Mr. Garcia‑Pons). Both motions passed unanimously. Staff and the board noted that if the variances had been denied, the board’s earlier COA would need to be revised and likely return to the board.

Board members said the variances reflect the property’s original siting and the constraints of an older lot layout. The approvals allow the applicant to take the final step toward pulling building permits without changing the design approved previously by the board.