Planning Commission Meeting - May 19, 2026

The Venice Planning Commission met on May 19, 2026, at 1:30 PM in Council Chambers to consider two quasi-judicial variance petitions. The meeting began with roll call, approval of the April 21, 2026 minutes (passed unanimously), and no general audience participation. Both hearings involved completed structures that deviated from code requirements. Commissioners emphasized the seriousness of errors and the importance of compliance.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the April 21, 2026 regular meeting were approved by a unanimous vote (motion by Mr. Ferlaggi, second by Mr. Hale). No discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• General Audience Participation: No speakers signed up.
• Variance 26‑01VZ (161 Canoe Bend Ave): Katrina DeJesus (Meritage Homes, agent/applicant) testified that a slab misalignment led to a 0.31‑foot (3.72‑inch) side setback encroachment on a finished single‑family home. She acknowledged the error was discovered at slab pour but construction continued. Commissioner Floriagi expressed concern, stating this would be a one‑time pass and warning that future similar cases may be viewed as willful. No public comments from neighbors.
• Variance 26‑05VZ (400 Park Blvd N): Brian Zambrano (agent/architect) explained that the carport was built under a valid permit but the subsequent driveway design inadvertently violated the 40‑foot driveway setback. After working with staff, the variance was reduced to a two‑foot encroachment (38 feet from pavement). No public comments.

Discussion Items

• 26‑01VZ – 161 Canoe Bend Ave (Variance): Staff (Nicole Tremblay) presented the seven decision criteria under LDC 1.13.3. The applicant’s responses indicated the deviation was unintentional. Despite Commissioner Floriagi’s admonition about continuing construction after discovery, the commission found the variance met the criteria and was the minimum necessary. The house was already built; denial would cause major hardship.
• 26‑05VZ – 400 Park Blvd N (Variance): Staff clarified that the initial carport permit review did not require the driveway setback dimension, constituting a staff error. The applicant reduced the variance request as much as possible (from 34 ft to 38 ft, the limit to allow safe vehicle turning). The commission noted that, unlike the previous case, this error was not the property owner’s fault and there was no negative impact on safety, drainage, or nearby properties.

Key Outcomes

• Vote on 26‑01VZ: Motion to approve (Mr. Floriagi) seconded by Mr. Jasper. Passed unanimously (7‑0). Commissioner Floriagi stated this was a one‑time allowance due to the unintentional nature and reminded all builders that similar errors in the future may be considered willful.
• Vote on 26‑05VZ: Motion to approve as correcting a staff error (Mr. Floriagi) seconded by Mr. Jasper. Passed unanimously (7‑0). Commissioner Sherberg commended the process, noting the contrast with the previous case.
• Announcements: Planning Director Roger mentioned the next meeting on June 2, 2026, will include a presentation on the C‑board technical plan, applications for a tire company, Sarasota Memorial Hospital expansion, Family Promise affordable housing, and code changes for recovery residences. He also noted the Venice Beach Pavilion was added to the local register and an upcoming historic preservation forum on June 4, 2026.