Board approves large accessory structure on Otter Boulevard, citing flooding hardship

The board voted 7-0 to grant Variance V-7 for 38380 Otter Boulevard, allowing an accessory building larger than the usual 60% limit and a 20-foot rear-yard encroachment. Staff described the property as a wooded, low-lying parcel prone to flooding; staff said the accessory structure would be located behind the primary residence and largely obscured by vegetation, and recommended approval based on hardship and site constraints.

Applicant Matt Bocchiardi described plans to raise the building site and set the structure on a modest stem wall so it would sit above existing flood levels. "The placement is kinda negating the flood path" he told the board, explaining the chosen location and minor elevation change. Staff emphasized the proposal would keep total lot coverage well under allowed limits for the zoning district and would primarily serve as non-habitable storage to reduce repeated flood damage to personal property. The board approved the variance unanimously.