278 1st Street 10.04.2001 (Detached garage)October 04, 2001
David Bergeron
278 First Street
Atlantic Beach, Florida 32233
Re: Proposed attachment of primary residence and existing detached garage
Dear Mr. Bergeron:
CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH
BUILDING AND PLANNING
800 SEMINOLE ROAD
ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA 32233 -5445
TELEPHONE: (904) 247 -5826
FAX: (904) 247 -5845
I write in reply to the questions posed during our meeting earlier this week. You have proposed to connect your
existing detached garage to the existing residence on your lot. The structures which now exist on your lot are
considered to be legally established nonconforming buildings in that they do not comply with current building
setbacks, but were constructed prior to the enactment of such setbacks.
The currently effective zoning regulations for the City of Atlantic Beach allow certain changes to such
nonconforming buildings, provided that any expansion or enlargement does not "occupy a greater area of land."
While I realize that that the connection you have proposed involves a minimal amount of construction, it appears
that the connection will in fact occupy a greater area of land. As such, this construction would not be allowed
without a Variance, and honestly, I could not encourage you in that regard since I do not believe that Variance
criteria would be met.
The amendments that are proposed to the zoning regulations, however, will in this particular case be to your
advantage. The proposed changes will allow for expansion provided that such expansion complies with the
setback requirements. As defined in the zoning regulations, the east side of your corner lot is considered to be a
side yard. (I recognize that the front of your house faces East Coast Drive, but the Zoning Code defines First
Street as the front.) The proposed regulations will allow you to connect the two structures as long as the new
construction is no closer than five (5) feet from the east side property line.
I anticipate that the amendments to the zoning regulations will be adopted in November. The Community
Development Board has previously recommended approval of the amendments to the City Commission, and this
minor change has not been at issue. Please feel free to call me at 247 -5817 with any questions.
Sincerely,
Art J
Sonya B. Doerr, AICP
Community Development Director