Agency approves setback variance for freestanding deck at Ponte Vedra Shores West townhouse

The Planning & Zoning Agency approved a zoning variance allowing a small freestanding deck at 103 Sandcastle Lane in Ponte Vedra Shores West, recording a unanimous 5–0 vote.

Whitney Penzine, joined by her husband Dirk Penzine, said they purchased the townhouse in 2024 and discovered that the lot had been parceled in 1987 into unusually narrow individual parcels that do not meet RG‑1 lot standards; they sought relief to construct a modest 12‑by‑6 deck to restore the ocean view they expected when they bought the property. Whitney said the owners secured neighbor signatures in support and provided evidence the HOA received the architectural request by email but did not deny it within the required period.

Agency members probed access and construction details, noting the proposed deck would be freestanding with exterior access and that a nearby precedent exists for a similar freestanding deck in the same street. Olsen moved to approve zoning variance 2026‑09 based on six findings and six conditions in the staff report; Levinowski seconded and the motion passed 5–0.