Title
ZV(R)2026-0015 & 0016
Minoska Vazquez & Cristian Filpo
520 SW 178 Way (District 4)
Summary Explanation and Background
SUMMARY EXPLANATION AND BACKGROUND:
PROJECT DESCIPTION / BACKGROUND:
Cristian Filpo and Minoska Vasquez, owners, submitted four residential zoning variance requests to legalize an existing driveway and pool deck for the property located at 520 SW 178 Way in the Silver Lakes neighborhood, which is zoned Planned Unit Development (PUD). The PUD does not address accessory structures; therefore, the provisions of the City’s Land Development Code (LDC) apply.
The Board of Adjustment (BOA) on August 6, 2026, meeting approved two out of the four variances and tabled two requests. See vote/action taken:
• ZV(R)2026-0015: to allow 55% Front Lot Coverage (Total) instead of the required 40% front lot coverage for an existing circular driveway in a single-family residential property, typical lot. [Tabled for date uncertain]
• ZV(R)2026-0016: to allow 54% width of lot instead of the required 40% width of lot for an existing circular driveway in a single-family residential property, typical lot. [Tabled for date uncertain]
• ZV(R)2026-0017: to allow 2.3’ augmenting to 2.7’ setback along a segment of the rear property line instead of the required 5’ rear setback for an existing pool deck in a single-family residential property, typical lot. [Approved 4-0, 8/6/2026, 1553.01 (O) (c)]
• ZV(R)2026-0018: to allow 3.3’ decreasing to 2.7’ setback along a segment of the southern side property line instead of the required 5' side setback for an existing pool deck, patio in a single-family residential property, typical lot. [Approved 4-0, 8/6/2026, 1553.01 (O) (c)]
The Board directed the petitioners to re-evaluate requests under ZV(R)2026-0015, ZV(R)2026-0016 for 55% front lot coverage, 54% width of lot by reducing the amount existing paved area in the front of the house. The board unanimously voted (4-0) to table the requests for a date uncertain.
As a result of the Board’s request, the petitioner is presenting a new plan for the circular driveway (dated 9/11/2026) adjusting footprint and dimensions for the circular driveway at location. The following requests still apply:
• ZV(R)2026-0015: to allow 55% 52% Front Lot Coverage (Total) instead of the required 40% front lot coverage for an existing circular driveway in a single-family residential property, typical lot.
• ZV(R)2026-0016: to allow 54% 59% width of lot instead of the required 40% width of lot for an existing circular driveway in a single-family residential property, typical lot.
Per Broward County Property Appraiser imagery, the driveway had existed at location since at least December 2026 (See images images).
The applicant is aware that Board consideration of residential variance requests does not preclude the property owner from obtaining all necessary development-related approvals or permits.
The property is in Silver Lakes, see HOA Letter dated June 2, 2026
VARIANCE REQUEST DETAILS:
ZV(R)2026-0015) is to allow 55% 52% Front Lot Coverage (Total) instead of the required 40% front lot coverage for an existing circular driveway in a single-family residential property, typical lot.
ZV(R)2026-0016) is to allow 54% 59% width of lot instead of the required 40% width of lot for an existing circular driveway in a single-family residential property, typical lot.
Code References:
Table 155.620 Accessory Building and Structures
ZV(R)2026-0015)
Type, Driveway Circular, Maximum Dimensions, 40% lot coverage.
ZV(R)2026-0016)
Type, Driveway Circular, Maximum Dimensions, 40 % width of lot
VARIANCE DETERMINATION:
The Board of Adjustment shall not grant any single-family residential variances, permits, or make any decision, finding, and determination unless it first determines that:
Its decision and action taken is in harmony with the general purposes of the zoning ordinances of the city and is not contrary to the public interest, health, or welfare, taking into account the character and use of adjoining buildings and those in the vicinity, the number of persons residing or working in the buildings, and traffic conditions in the vicinity.
In the granting of single-family residential variances, the Board shall follow Section 155.301(O) Variance:
1. Purpose: To allow for the provision of relief from certain development standards of this LDC for one or more of the following reasons:
a) There are special circumstances or conditions applying to the land or building for which the variance is sought, which circumstances are peculiar to the land or building and do not apply generally to land or buildings in the neighborhood, and that the strict application of the provisions of the zoning ordinances would result in an unnecessary hardship and deprive the applicant of the reasonable use of the land or building; or
b) Any alleged hardship is not self-created by any person having an interest in the property nor is the result of a mere disregard for or in ignorance of the provisions of the zoning ordinances of the city; or
c) Granting the variance is not incompatible with public policy, will not adversely affect any adjacent property owners, and that the circumstances which cause the special conditions are peculiar to the subject property.