The City of Pensacola’s Architectural Review Board voted 4-1, with one abstention, last month to approve significant setback variances for a proposed 10-unit residential development at 627 East Government Street, despite strong opposition from neighboring residents.
Spencer’s Case for the Variances
Architect Brian Spencer, representing the developer, requested approval to reduce the rear yard setback on Bayfront Parkway from 20 feet to 9 feet and eliminate the front yard setback on Government Street entirely, allowing construction at the street edge. The proposal calls for demolishing the existing non-contributing commercial building, attorney Bob Kerrigan’s former office, and constructing a new 34-foot-tall structure with 10 residential units above ground-floor parking.
Spencer built his case around the property’s unique constraints. The triangular lot, created decades ago by Bayfront Parkway’s construction, presents unusual challenges that don’t affect other properties in the historic district. The architect noted that the existing building already violates current setback requirements, creating what he termed “existing non-conforming conditions.”
- “I would never come before you today seeking this variance if there had not been an existing building that has been here for decades,” Spencer told the board, pointing out that his proposal actually steps back four feet from the sidewalk at ground level, improving upon the current building’s zero setback.
Spencer presented ten letters of support, including one from commercial real estate broker DeeDee Davis, who argued the project would enhance rather than diminish property values. He also highlighted that the development would increase landscaping from 2,750 to 3,230 square feet and provide additional permeable paving.
Neighbors Rally Against the Project
Residents from the surrounding Seville Historic District and Crown Cove neighborhoods mounted organized opposition, with nearly two dozen speakers addressing the board during the public comment period. Their concerns centered on several key issues:
Parking and Traffic: Multiple residents cited the national average of 1.9 cars per household, arguing that 10 units would generate approximately 19 cars but only provide 10 parking spaces. Chris Carroll, who lives directly across the street, noted that garage access would eliminate 3-4 existing street parking spaces, exacerbating an already tight parking situation…