Board approves variance for 3408 Mount Bunnell Road; impervious cover to about 49.94%

The Board of Adjustment approved a variance July 13 for 3408 Mount Bunnell Road (case C152026-0024), allowing impervious coverage higher than the 45% limit in the current land development code.

Linda Sullivan, who identified herself as the applicant representative, said she and project architect Jack Bigby of Matt Ficus Architecture were representing the property owners Bennett Leffenthal and Yong Shin Kim. Sullivan said the property was developed in 1979, with a pool added under permit in 1985, and that the current application reduces overall impervious area compared with existing conditions.

Architect Jack Bigby told the board the proposed plan reduces impervious surface and showed the packet figures; he stated the proposed impervious coverage is 49.94% (down from an existing 56.25%). Board members pointed out a small discrepancy in the packet (one page showing 49.83%); Bigby and applicants confirmed the corrected figure is 49.94% and staff was directed to update documentation to match.

Legal counsel and a board member summarized the hardship case: the lot was developed before the current land development code and contains steep topography that limits practical options; the application argues the additions would result in an overall reduction closer to the code maximum. Following brief questioning, a board member moved to approve the variance; the motion was seconded and the board recorded a roll-call vote with nine yes votes, meeting the required supermajority given the number of members present.

The chair administered the oath before testimony; the applicant had five minutes for presentation and staff packet materials were used to support technical figures. Staff will update the application documents to reflect the corrected impervious percentage noted during the hearing.