Board of Zoning Appeals 2-24-2026

The City of Punta Gorda Board of Zoning Appeals held a meeting on February 24, 2026, addressing two main zoning variance requests. The first involved a setback variance for a proposed inground pool and enclosure at 64 Sable Drive, where the applicants sought to reduce the required 20-foot setback from the seawall to 5 feet, citing ADA accommodation needs. The board expressed concerns about potential seawall structural integrity and public safety, ultimately tabling the request pending a site-specific engineering study to assess feasibility and risks. The second request pertained to multiple variances for the construction of a drive-through coffee shop at 125 Tamiami Trail. The board discussed architectural design requirements, including facade glazing and materials, and after deliberation, approved the variances with conditions to ensure aesthetic compatibility with the area, such as minimum glazing percentages and use of brick or similar facade materials. The meeting highlighted the balance between accommodating development and maintaining safety and community standards.