Board of Adjustment

Page 3

zoning is required to have a minimum side yard setback of 8’ or 20’ combined. The applicant

is requesting: a reduction of the required north side setback from an 8’ setback to a 6.33’

setback for a total variance of 1.67’ and a reduction of the required south side setback from

12’ to 6.90’ for a total variance of 5.1’. Address: 444 N Washington Drive. Zoning Code

Section: VI-203 and Table VI-203. Legal Description: On file in the Development Services

Department, City of Sarasota. Zone District: RSF-2 (Residential Single Family 2). Lisa

Hartmann, owner.

Ms. Christie provided an overview of Variance Petition 26-VAR-05

Leonardo Lunardi and Lisa Hartmann presented and provided a brief description and explanation of

the proposed request.

The Board Members briefly questioned the petitioner.

Affected Persons

No Affected Persons.

Citizen Input

No Citizen Input

Applicant Rebuttal

No rebuttal.

Staff Rebuttal

No rebuttal.

The Board Members held a discussion on the proposed request.

Board Member Ruch made a motion to approve 26-VAR-05. Alternate Board Member Cooper

seconded the motion. Motion passed 5-0.

Presentation of Topics by Board Members

Board Member Ruch spoke to applications with similar requests and discussed the process of

applications. Secretary Christie spoke to the discussion.

Presentation of Topics by the City Administration or Legal Counsel to the Board

Deputy City Attorney Shamsey noted that Randy Mora will be presenting to the Board. Ms. Christie

noted that there will be a June 24, 2026 meeting and addressed open seats on the Board.

Board of Adjustment

BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT

Commission Chambers City Hall

Commission Chambers City Hall 01:15 p.m. June 4, 2026

Notice of Meeting

1.

Pledge of Allegiance

2.

Call Meeting to Order

3.

Roll Call

4.

Approval of the April 29, 2026 Meeting Minutes

Click Here to View Draft Minutes

5.

Explanation of Quasi-judicial Proceedings

6.

Disclosure of Ex-parte Communications and Site Visit relating to any Quasi-judicial matter on the Agenda

7.

Reading of the Pledge of Conduct and Swearing in of all Persons

8.

Public Hearings

1.

Variance Petition No. 26-VAN-04. Stephen D. Rees, Jr., on behalf of Sarasota 500 LLC, property owner, proposes two variances to allow for an accessory structure to be taller than the principal building and to allow an accessory structure to exceed the maximum height of the zone district. Pursuant to Table VI-603 of the Zoning Code, the maximum height for the Commercial Intensive (CI) zone district is 45 feet. The applicant is requesting to exceed the maximum height for an accessory structure from the permitted 45 feet to 150 feet, for a total variance request of 105 feet. Additionally, Zoning Code Section VII-904(8) requires that accessory structures not exceed the height of the principal building. The second request would allow the accessory structure to exceed the height of the principal building by 128 feet 8 inches. These requests would allow for the relocation and installation of a flagpole on the property. Address: 707 South Washington Boulevard. Zoning Code Sections: Table VI-603 and Section VII-904(8). Legal Description: On file in the Development Services Department, City of Sarasota. Zone District: CI (Commercial Intensive). Stephen D. Rees, Jr., on behalf of Sarasota 500 LLC, property owner.

Click Here to View Application Materials

Click Here to View Staff Report

2.

Variance Petition No. 26-VAR-05. Leonardo Lunardi, AIA, on behalf of Lisa Hartmann, owner, proposes two variances to reduce the nonconforming north and south side setbacks. Pursuant to Table VI-203 of the City Zoning Code, Residential Single Family 2 (RSF-2) zoning is required to have a minimum side yard setback of 8 or 20 combined. The applicant is requesting: a reduction of the required north side setback from an 8 setback to a 6.33 setback for a total variance of 1.67 and a reduction of the required south side setback from 12 to 6.90 for a total variance of 5.1 . Address: 444 N Washington Drive. Zoning Code Section: VI-203 and Table VI-203. Legal Description: On file in the Development Services Department, City of Sarasota. Zone District: RSF-2 (Residential Single Family 2). Lisa Hartmann, owner.

Click Here to View Application Materials

Click Here to View Staff Report

9.

Presentation of Topics by Board Members

10.

Presentation of Topics by City Administration or Legal Counsel to the Board

11.

Adjournment

Notice to Public

today. Yeah, I'd like to remind everyone that if they could silence their cell phones and plane using what did this in order, please. >> you get to the roll call. >> Yes, the San Juan present MS Cooper, president Mister Ek President. This here. Mister Cherry present. Thank you. >> And then as everyone had an opportunity to review minutes from the last meeting. Recommendations changes deletions. None being hurt. some can someone adopt 2? I move to approve. Secondly. All right. Thank you. John, if you would, explain the quasi judicial. >> Various hearing is a quasi judicial hearing because they usually hearing under Florida law is a slightly more formal hearing that the legislative public hearing. There are parties. usually hearing the parties may include the applicant city and anyone who has applied for qualifiers protected Persons status under the criteria of the city, zoning improper evidence. Testimony, expert testimony and documentary evidence parties have the crop, the opportunity to cross examine opposing parties and to present a closing rebuttal argument. The decision of the board of Adjustment was a judicial hearing must be based on the confidence, substantial evidence in the record and the board must apply the appropriate standards of review in the zoning code relating to the type of approval request. It. At the beginning of the public hearing where estate, if they've had any ex parte communications on the matter, which is contact with any parks parties outside of the public hearing today. So we will now ask the board of adjustment. Members have had any ex parte communications in any of the matters before them today. No, I have not. >> No ex parte communications and I have visited sites. north of I. >> No, no communication. And yes, it does it in the site's. Okay. Thank you know, communication and I visited the sites. Okay. Sounds good. >> says for everyone in the if you will be approaching the board it speaking, please rise and raise your right hand for Do you swear or affirm that the testimony evidence or factual representations you're about to give to the board of adjustment this 4th day of June 2026. Are truthful. >> And Allison, if you make a approach of conduct place. >> We may disagree, but we will be respectful to one another. And we will direct all comments to issues. Just going to briefly talk about some of the time limits and out outlined in the in this meeting for today. >> For the petitioner 20 minute. than 15 minutes for questions. 15 minutes for rebuttal and 5 minutes for public speakers. And Allison, if you could. Please read to the petition. 26 Dennis Pa and Dash 0, 4, >> Yes, the petitioner Stephen Reece junior on behalf of Sarasota, 500 LLC property owner is seeking approval of 2 variances. The first variance request would allow accessory structure to exceed the maximum height from the permitted 45 feet to 150 feet for total variance. Request of 105 feet. The second variance request would allow for an accessory structure to exceed the height of the principal structure by 128 feet. 8 inches for total variance. Request of 120 feet. 8 inches subject. Property is located at 707, South Washington Boulevard is currently zoned commercial intensive. The property owner wishes to utilize the requested variance is to relocate install 150 foot tall flagpole pursuant to Table 6, 6, to 3 of the zoning code. The maximum height for the CIA zone district is 45 feet. The requested variance would increase the maximum height 250 feet Zoning Code section 7, 9, o for 8 requires accessory structures. Do not exceed the height of the principal structure as the height of the principal structure is 21 feet. 4 inches. A variance of 128 feet. 8 inches is requested. No other variances to the development standards for the zoning districts are proposed. Therefore, the specific variants is being sought as generally outlined above are one a variance from Section 6, 6, 3, to increase maximum height for an accessory structure from 45 feet. 150 feet, an increase of 105 feet and to a variance from Section 7, 9, 4, 8, to allow excess restructure to surpass the principal structure by 128 feet. 8 inches. The board should utilize criteria one through 5 as outlined under zoning Code section 4.66. P as the basis in making a determination. Thank you. All right. Thank you. petitioner would like to come forward. Please. Please state your name. And when dressing please speak into the mic. >> Yes, sir. Good afternoon. I'm Steve reasonable offer cart, Maryland. I have been sworn. And that you can and owner of Sarasota, Florida have been sworn. If I make Thank you. Miss Christie for overview of the presentation that you're going here before me today. I don't believe in the need. The full 20 minutes, but that being we're here the flagpole as we refer to it as I-77 South Washington, Sarasota, growing up here in It's something I've always known that a local landmark, but it served his time structurally. It's not able to support the flag there anymore. And to move it. We realized the variance is required. So that's why we're here today with that BRI statement. Want to turn over to Matt just to offer some comments as well. Yes, first, thank you for your time and thank you for everyone showing up today. You know your support of our families own service in Fort since 1995. >> A little boy at that I think those in middle school. But, you know, the flag has been a iconic part of downtown Sarasota for a long time. It's been there since the 1970's. Well, before we both now over these many great years that we've had here, the flag pole, his and structurally so are are going wishes to restore into safe for new placement of one and bring back iconic American flag to downtown the last thing in common I would just make is, you know, I know the flag pool and the flag sits on our property. It's Harrison Ford, in my opinion, it's not ours. It's the downtown Sarasota's. It belongs to our veterans and their men and women of fought for our country. And so today we fight for them. And we appreciate your and your help on this. Thank you very much. So as this Christie highlighted, there's actually 2 variances being requested in there before you on the screen again, one is for to see the maximum height of what the zoning district allows of 45 feet. >> So that would be 105 foot variance. And then also since a flag pole is considered a structure. And in this case in excess restructure. By code is not allowed generally to be taller than the principal structure. So there's a second variance required based on the current height of the dealership. And so that is the 128 8 foot, an 8 inch variance. I'm as mad alluded to. There's a history of this as a Ford dealership here dating back actually almost back to the 1920's where the parking garage over on Palm was converted to the first Ford dealership Anderson, forward here in town. They outgrew that space. And in 1965, moved to the current location has been operating a Ford dealership ever since then. During the Andersons ownership, his as a gift to him, gave him and help wreck the new flag pole. That's there now. Property change chance to Pelican forward for a number of years. And then Matt indicated 1995. the Cannon family acquired the initiative and operated ever sense. Largest dealership in Florida. Correct? It's I'm not sure. It's large Just yeah. I got my first credit So as as mistress, also highlight the existing conditions in the area, the property is in the orange area. I within the dash lines. It's in an area of CI which is commercial intensive. It has various zoning districts surrounding it. But generally speaking bordered on the West by a South Washington on the north by Parkway. You do the multi-use trail to the far East, but as you can see in the the red area is the existing flag pole that actually pokes through the roof of the building. And that's one of the reasons what we didn't want to put it back in the same spot is that it does complicate right raising and lowering the flag and also operating at half staff. The new location on northwest corner was selected. One so that was a safer area in terms of right plays and lowering the flag again operating at half staff when necessary, but also The fits well within the existing landscape and the height of the polls requested to stay above that landscaping and building even at half staff. At close of copy again showing the existing the current location, the proposed location on the northwest Corner. As Miss Christie highlighted section for 6 of 6 deal. It has a sense of review that are before you today. They're in our application packets. I will read them and detail and I want them incorporated in to the presentation through the package. But you know, their special conditions and circumstances that kill your to this property, making it unique. I think we can all identify that a flag pole and a flag of this size is unique. it's it's almost as synonymous with Sarasota as the statue of David the special servant did not. And so the section of the Afghan again, it's been there for some time. We're trying to keep it there. Little interpretation of the provisions of the regulations without unnecessary undue hardship for the applicant. I could go beyond Even say not only just the applicant for for the community as a This flight represents a lot. And as Matt indicated, it's a sentiment to the veterans in the area and all those have served. It is the minimum necessary that we determined to make sure the adequate height to get clear existing landscaping and the building and also allowed to operate again half-staff when that's necessary. And it in connection with the general intent and purpose of the regulations and injuries to the public health. It's it serves as a a historical icon and Sarasota. And we want maintain that. The same standard review apply to the accessory structure. They're slightly different. But for the most part, again, the maximum height is going to change different mask. My van and 50's going to remain. But the variance requested a slightly different. So the 128 and 8 request for the accessory structure variance. I'm going to skip through 3 through 5 because they're really the same as in the first round. When you give you a diagram of the the proposed pole. As you can see, there's a 165 foot total. A length shown there. That's because it's 15 feet of As you can imagine, the flag of this size has incredible load on under full wind. So that's unfortunately what happened to the existing pulls. It just wasn't able to sustain that type of load anymore. So this will allow for the flag to fly this location for many years to come. As Miss Christie and Matt have a also indicated again, this states back to the 1970's has been flying there and it says the poll has come down numerous phone calls, emails, comments of what happened. You know, why is it down? try to do our job to educate the public. That field. We have a process we have to work with within the city. And that does require variance. We appreciate all the staff's health and navigating that process and and more importantly, getting us Read. We thought would be the And understand this hearing had to be postponed a week, but important why we want to get in is, you know, obviously we're celebrating 250 it birthday of a United States. And we really like to have this flag back up an operation this soon as possible in as close to the 4th of July. So this hearing today puts us on that time frame. Hopefully we make Again. The summary that you requested variance is before the 105 feet. That's pursuant to Section 6, 0, 3, 2, and table 6, 0, 6, 6, 0, 3, which is the maximum height within the CI district. And then also the 128 foot. 8 inch variance or the excess restructure taller than the principal structure. Both of the same 150 foot flag pole. Is your city attorney also indicated this has to be based on competence, substantial evidence and I would offer at the site and the installation of the fight for unique unconstrained due to the start, development and use of the car dealership result in substantial practical difficulties and hardships variance would allow reasonable use of the subject. Property continue longstanding tradition of this cultural landmark variances in harmony with your comprehensive plan. It's consistent with zoning code. The city's professional staff of the complete with no known heart and a fine issues are complex. So based on that confidence of potential evidence both offered here today, but also within the package. That's before you requested. Variance will not adversely affect the public interest, health safety general welfare. And we respectfully request your approval. We have address any questions. We can preserve that for a bottle. Could you please get back to you at the? Beginning of your presentation? You showed? Yeah, the slide that show the present location versus location. Yes. At So it's circled in red. Is the I can see the circled in red is the present location. And that area was enclosed for the moment cafe, correct? That's correct. built restaurant and was required to around >> to make that work. And since that point, the unfortunate pull as structural >> missions. So that and the green circle at the north side of the building. This is a new location, correct? >> And it's outside street yard. So that's why there's no other variances requested for that location. Then if you go a little bit further north, you come to the east, the road >> you. forget the name of the road. There is this is pain up here. park when the north. I don't know if you see that's okay. That's And the current. Current poll. Is I thought a place like about 13435 feet high. It also now. Yes, correct. And it's one 33.5 million. And you're shooting for one thing. that was due to looking at where it's going to go to make sure it can clear existing vegetation and the building. >> Both when it's being raise and lower, but also when it operate at half staff. >> If you have a job, I before half staff, sometimes it would dry against the roof of the Ford building which is not good for a flag. a proper? Improper as well? Yes. Thank you. Thank you. >> Wouldn't go 15 feet down below. know deeper. Because it's taller. >> so the the engineer, I'm not the engineer, but they designed it. And they that indicated that the 15 foot death is what's required to handle the load of 150 foot tall above ground. >> We'll be back for this. Any other question shot at 2. Did have you gotten any feedback or written? >> Responses back about the the flag itself. my biggest concern honestly would whether it's problem for navigation because its proximity to the hospital. and that's obviously a trauma center. So that's my. Concern that I'd like to see >> I haven't received either way on that. I know the existing love being around 135 feet near the 15 foot difference. Probably wouldn't make a difference for approaching a helicopters or otherwise. But perhaps staff can address that. They received anything from you to the airport, a hospital. I just want you heard any critique or feedback from the hospital that at All right. Thank you. Are there any other questions? I assume you've heard that. >> yeah. That was Mike. No, we have not heard of Thank you very much for your time. I think you So we did have one. We did have one infected person. Is there Brian Black here? Brian Black. We have to I general citizens to speak. Please like to Melissa Morris Lee. spell this. looks like tell why. The katyn. If you could please step that. Well, thank you both for showing up. And if I could, please state your name or not you are here for the swearing-in and speak into the microphone address us. Thank you. >> Hi, my name is Melissa Morse Lee and I was here for the swearing in. Thank you for your kind attention I would like to just offer my support for the variance change and just wish to request of the board. They approve the variance change for the changing the flag pole position and height. I moved here 17 years ago and Sarah said is my home now and that this flag has always been a great source of pride. I think a beautiful symbol of unity. No matter what is going on in our our city, our country or the world to look at that big, huge flag. Every time you drive by just create such a sense of pride. And I love it. And when I heard that, you know, it was possibly not going to be restored to its, you know, original I just became concerned and wanted to just offer my support. So I respectfully request that the variance is approved so we can get that flag flying again. Thank you. >> Hi, my name is Lucy McCAnn And I have been sworn in today and I appreciate the opportunity I share. I prepared some remarks that I just wanted to read to you that really come from my heart about restoring the flag over its Harrison. Ford >> I've been a resident is community since 1982. >> I've seen this flag serve as an important landmark for more than 50 years here. Even before I moved here, people knew about it. It's long represented patriotism, unity, support for veterans, active duty military, first responders and it holds a special meaning for many people here in the community, whether they've been here as long as I have or they're new to the community. They're aware of this flag. I fully respect the city zoning regulations and under understand the importance of maintaining standards. But I also believe there's times when we need to look at the 3.60, in the bigger picture and a broader impact. Certain symbols here in the community have on our community. Sarasota, Florida. If you're not aware, has demonstrated such a commitment to giving back to our area and countless number of ways. Has not said earlier. The flag is not the dealerships. It's the communities. And I understand that. I think it's important to mention that the dealership has helped hundreds of local charities here. They've assisted the community during multiple hurricanes. That have affected our region. They serve as an equal opportunity employer. And through their one community. One team initiative, Sarasota Ford has provided an all expense paid trips to local veteran organizations. And fact, it is a donation drop-off location during times of need. The dealership also probably offers military incentives to those who serve our country. And that's what the flag symbolizes for many residents. The flag is far more than just signage. And I think that's what we need to consider today as we make our decisions. It's a symbol of community pride and of unity. My sincere hope is that the city will consider consider making an exception to the current regulation, allow this. I can explain to continue flying. Thank you very much. ? ? ? ? 0.2. Just closed the session here. But what does the board have more questions for the applicant? >> anyone have a rebuttal to any of the comments before us at this point. How Haha. Yeah. There's no questions that you can cause the name of the close to what I will say and statement. I thought ladies to the spoke before you I welcome. addition to the to the proceeding, thank you. All right. So now let's go ahead. A turn for The that have been hearing. You know, any discussion. yes. mic. Yes. Excellent. Has nothing board. the board can make motion that I. >> I would move to approve variants petition number. 26 Tesh and the national for including proposed resolution and findings. I'll second that. >> All in do the roll discussion on the motion. The Yes. MS Cooper. Yes, Mister Roque. Yes, this is. But yes, Mister Cherry. Yes, motion passes 5, 0, How dare just we'll just give it a second to clear out before we keep going. >> I >> guess Very emotional. Very touch really was, wasn't Wow, I know what a great Naha >> to >> the it was like the doors close. Yeah. then You open this this They were going to open. 26 V a R 0, 5, the petitioner Leonardo Leonardi and on behalf of Lisa Hartman, property owner is seeking to variances for reduction in the north side yard setback from 8 feet. >> To 6.3, 3 feet for total variance of 1.6 feet. 1.6, 7 feet and a reduction in the South side yard setback from 12 feet to 6.9 feet for total variance of 5.1 feet. The approximately 10,375 Square-foot property located at 4, 4, 4, North Washington Drive is in the residential single family to zone district. There is a single family structure existing on the property which has had previous damage due to repeated flooding from hurricanes. The applicant is requesting to raise the single-family home by approximately 5 feet to mitigate flood risk per table. 6 to 3. The RSF 2 zone district requires a minimum 8 foot. 24 combined side yard setback. So single-family structure existing on the property is nonconforming setbacks of 6.3, 3 feet on the north side. We're 8 feet is required and 6.9 feet on the South side where 12 fee is required. The applicant has requested variances of 1.6, 7 feet to the north and 5.1 feet on the south to address the existing non-conforming side setbacks. The proposed 5 foot increase to raise the single-family home is compliant with the maximum height. A 35 feet for the arson to so district and will comply with the development standards of Section 6 to a 3. The specific variance is being sought is generally outlined above are one a variance from Section 6 to 3 table 6 to 3 to allow 6.3, 3 foot north side yard setback where an 8 foot setback is required. of 1.6, 7 feet and to a variance from Section 6 to 3 table, 6 to 3 to allow a 6.9 foot south side yard setback where a 12 foot setback is required, which is adoption of 5.1 feet. The board should utilize criteria. One through 5 outlined under zoning Code section 4.66. P as the basis making their determination. Thank you. Okay. With that. >> please step forward. And if you could state your name and whether or not you were present for the swearing in. >> good afternoon. I'm we are going already and the and I've been been sworn in. >> I'm Lisa Hartman and I also was sworn in this morning. Thank you. As current. >> This is general you our front we're here basically for property residential property located at 4 for 4th nor Washington Drive. And sir, so you can see in this this is a >> set our minds. And you can see the location of the property right on the canal. There as it was already mentioned. This is on RSF 2 single family residential. There's currently on the site single family structure. And our goal is to maintain that single-family structure. brought a few pictures and I appreciate it. Sounds like you you're some of you had a chance to stop by the property. And appreciate >> This is the it was built in the 50's and my client lived there for about 17 years. It's a very charming, you know, 2400 square foot it fits very well in the neighborhood I'm Lisa has taken a very care of the home in the decades, so much that a few years ago we pretty thorough ensure remodel of the residents, including, you know, catch and the living spaces. And unfortunately through that in the middle of that remodel the house flooded and so the work had to be kind of torn apart we put back together. So the house is now, you know, fully finished refinished on the interior. the reason we're here today and as you know, we're faced with some tough after the flooding. And as many of the neighbors and the are months are probably facing. And we would love to people to keep the house. You know, the idea of tearing down the house and building new was a tough, tough proposition, after having just remodeled. it's because of the size of the house. You know, we obviously it would be really hard to love off a portion of the house on the other side of the property. So we would love to raise the but because a lot is a nonconforming lot. We're currently encroaching on both and I will first we'll show you guys kind of an aerial view. You can come the This one right this property, the neighbor to the well, to write a the just tor