Gulfport Board Approves Home Addition Variances

The Gulfport Board of Adjustment granted two variance requests on September 11, 2024, allowing property owners to proceed with home additions and modifications. The decisions, made at Gulfport City Hall, addressed property line setbacks and an unpermitted structure.

Luis Gonzalez, owner of 2008 56th Street South, received approval to build a 1,033.64-square-foot addition to the rear of his home. The board approved reducing the required secondary street side yard (west) setback by 6.5 feet, from 12 feet to 5.5 feet. Gonzalez must submit a building permit application within one year.

Jeanette F. Lilly, owner of 6125 9th Avenue South, sought a variance to reduce the required separation distance between her primary dwelling and an existing Chickee Hut. The hut, built by Seminole Tiki Indian Company, was constructed without a zoning permit from the City's Community Development Department. Lilly stated the contractor recommended the location for wind mitigation.

Board members present included Chair Joe Szemer, G. Carter Bess, Keri Ferenc Nelson, William Oetting, Richard Glueck, and Vice Chairperson Joe Guenther. City Attorney Andrew Salzman, Community Development Planner Michael Taylor, and Deputy City Clerk Amanda M. Hartman also attended. The board unanimously approved minutes from the August 14, 2024, meeting. No public comment was offered for either variance request.