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HEX Final Decision #2026-16HEX NO. 2026-16 HEARING EXAMINER DECISION DATE OF HEARING. March 13, 2026 PETITION. Petition No. VA-PL20250000077 - To have the Collier County Hearing Examiner (HEX) consider approval of a variance from LDC Section 4.02.16.C.2.e.i., to increase the height of the proposed entry feature gate from 42 inches to allow 11 feet 6 inches for a new platted subdivision consisting of 32 single-family homes. GENERAL PURPOSE FOR THE PETITION. A height variance of the proposed entry feature gates from the maximum allowed 42 inches to 11 feet 6 inches for a new platted subdivision consisting of 32 single-family homes known as "Grove Bayshore." STAFF RECOMMENDATION. Approval with conditions. FINDING C_ 1. The Hearing Examiner has jurisdiction over this Petitioner pursuant to Sec. 2-87(2) of the Collier County Code of Ordinances, Sec. 8.10.00 of the Land Development Code, and Chapter 9 of the County Administrative Code. 2. The public hearing for this Petition was properly noticed and conducted in accordance with all County and state requirements. 3. The public hearing was conducted electronically and in -person in accordance with Emergency/Executive Order 2020-04. 4. The County Staff presented the Petition followed by the Petitioner and/or Petitioner's representative, public comment and then rebuttal by the Petitioner and/or Petitioner's representative. There were no public comments at the public hearing. 5. The Hearing Examiner disclosed having reviewed the record and having had no ex parte communications. 6. The County's Land Development Section 9.04.03 lists the criteria for variances. The Hearing Examiner having the same authority as the Board of Zoning Appeals may grant, deny, or Page 1 of 2 modify any request for a variance from the regulations or restrictions of the Collier County Land Development Code.' a. Are there special conditions and circumstances existing, which are peculiar to the location, size and characteristics of the land, structure or building involved? The record evidence and testimony from the public hearing reflects that the site is currently under construction for subdivision improvements, which include three sales models at 3724, 3728, and 3862 Grove Circle in Naples, FL. The building permit numbers for these models are PRFH20231252382, PRFH20231252389, and PRFH20231252397. Additional pool permits have also been submitted. All permits have been issued, and construction is in progress. During the pool permitting process, an issue was identified regarding the height of the entry feature, as there is a requirement for a minimum pool barrier height of 48 inches, and according to LDC Section 4.02.16. C.2. e. i, fences and walls shall not exceed 42 inches in height. The initial building reviewer did not identify this issue; therefore, a variance is being proposed. b. Are there special conditions and circumstances, which do not result from the action of the applicant, such as pre-existing conditions relative to the property, which are the subject of this variance request? The record evidence and testimony from the public hearing reflects that there are special circumstances arising from the issuance of building permits and the commencement of construction of the model homes, including entry features at the height specified in the permitted plans. The design of the homes was completed in compliance with the requirements for the front door feature facing the street in the Bayshore Overlay District, with no objections noted from County Staff. Revising the buildings at this stage of construction would impose a significant financial burden. c. Will a literal interpretation of the provisions of this zoning code work unnecessary and undue hardship on the applicant or create practical difficulties for the applicant? The record evidence and testimony from the public hearing reflects that yes, it would impose financial hardship on the applicant if the homesites cannot be constructed as permitted. The homes are nearing completion, and there is no viable means to alter them to comply with the Bayshore Overlay LDC Criteria for the front door requirement. d. Will the Variance, if granted, be the minimum Variance that will make possible the reasonable use of the land, building or structure and which promote standards of health, safety, and welfare? 'The Hearing Examiner's findings are italicized. Page 2 of 3 The record evidence and testimony from the public hearing reflects that this variance is granted as it represents the minimum variance necessary to support the functional use of the land. There are no identified impacts on health, safety, or welfareassociated with the proposed entry feature height. This entry feature contributes to the security of individual homes. All homes will include the same feature, ensuring uniform protection. e. Will granting the Variance confer on the applicant any special privilege that is denied by these zoning regulations to other lands, buildings, or structures in the same zoning district? The record evidence and testimony from the public hearing reflects that the granting of the variance allows for modifications specific to this site. It is important to note that if the deficiency had been identified during the project's review and the permit application process prior to approvals and permit issuance, the homes could have been adjusted to comply with the Land Development Code (LDQ requirements. This requirement was noted during the application for swimming pool permits, where the necessity of a 48-inch-high pool barrier along the front was highlighted, resulting in the permits being rejected. By the time this issue was recognized, the houses were already under construction, making any modifications necessary to meet the maximum height requirement of 42 inches, and the front door orientation facing the street, financially and architecturally challenging given the project's construction stage. f. Will granting the Variance be in harmony with the general intent and purpose of this Land Development Code, and not be injurious to the neighborhood, or otherwise detrimental to the public welfare? The record evidence and testimony from the public hearing reflects that granting variance is consistent with the intent and purpose of the zoning code. It will facilitate the inclusion of a front door facing the street for each home, as required by the overlay district regulations. This approach is expected to create a uniform appearance within the community, enhance security and privacy for each home and its pool area, and provide a buffer from neighboring uses. Additionally, the variance will not be visible from Bayshore Blvd and is located within the subdivision, with no anticipated adverse effects on public Welfare. g. Are there natural conditions or physically induced conditions that ameliorate the goals and objectives of the regulation such as natural preserves, lakes, golf courses, etc.? The record evidence and testimony from the public hearing reflects that there are no natural or physically induced conditions, such as preserves, lakes, or golf courses, that affect or support the goals and objectives of the regulation in this case. The Grove Bayshore Subdivision is a well -established area featuring a variety of uses. To the north, you'll find a church, while a man-made lake sits to the east. The southern side is home to several commercial buildings, and there's an undeveloped commercial parcel located to the west. The residential units are designed to face either north or south along an internal roadway, and the subdivision is surrounded by a landscaped buffer that offers privacy from neighboring properties. Page 3 of 4 h. Will granting the Variance be consistent with the Growth Management Plan (GMP)? The record evidence and testimony from the public hearing reflects that granting the variance will be consistent with the GMP, as a one-story commercial building structure is an allowable use for the subject property in both the Future Land Use Element and the GMP. GROWTH MANAGEMENT PLAN (GMP) CONSISTENCY. The record evidence and testimony from the public hearing reflects that The Growth Management Plan (GMP) does not address individual land -use variance requests; However, the current use of the subject property is consistent with the GMP. ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY COUNCIL (EAC) RECOMMENDATION. The EAC does not typically hear variance petitions. Since the subject Variance doesn't impact any preserve area, the EAC did not hear this petition. ANAI ,VCIC_ Based on a review of the record including the Petition, application, exhibits, the County's staff report, and hearing comments and testimony from the Petitioner and/or the Petitioner's representative(s), County staff and any given by the public, the Hearing Examiner finds that there is enough competent, substantial evidence as applied to the criteria set forth in Section 9.04.03, of the Land Development Code to approve this Petition. DFC RION_ The Hearing Examiner hereby APPROVES Petition No. VA-PL20250000077, filed by Gina Green, representing the applicant/owner Naples Groves Lot 13 LLC, with respect to the property described as a subdivision that is located on Grove Bayshore Lots 1 through 32, as recorded in Plat Book 75, pages 92 and 93, in the public records of Collier County, Florida, on approximately 9.6 acres known as Grove Bayshore, in Section 14, Township 50 South, Range 25 East, Collier County, Florida, for the following: • The purpose of this project is to seek a Variance from LDC Sec. 4.02.16.C.2.e.i to increase the height of the proposed entry feature gate for the Grove Bayshore subdivision from 42 inches to allow up to 11 feet 6 inches. Said changes are fully described in the Zoning Map attached as Exhibit "A" and the Master Site Plan attached as Exhibit `B" and the Variance Plan attached as Exhibit "C" and are subject to the condition(s) set forth below. ATTACHMENTS. Exhibit A — Zoning Map Exhibit B — Master Site Plan Exhibit C - Variance Plan- Exhibit B-1, B-2 and B-3 Page 4 of 5 LEGAL DESCRIPTION. This subdivision is located on Grove Bayshore Lots I through 32, as recorded in Plat Book 75, pages 92 and 93, in the public records of Collier County, Florida, on approximately 9.6 acres known as Grove Bayshore, in Section 14, Township 50 South, Range 25 East, Collier County, Florida CONDITIONS. • All other applicable state or federal permits must be obtained. DISCLAIMER. Pursuant to Section 125.022(5) F.S., issuance of a development permit by a county does not in any way create any rights on the part of the applicant to obtain a permit from a state or federal agency and does not create any liability on the part of the county for issuance of the permit if the applicant fails to obtain requisite approvals or fulfill the obligations imposed by a state or federal agency or undertakes actions that result in a violation of state or federal law. APPEALS. This decision becomes effective on the date it is rendered. An appeal of this decision shall be done in accordance with applicable ordinances, codes and law. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS AND EXHIBITS: SEE CLERK OF COURT, MINUTES AND RECORDS DEPARTMENT. DECISIONS OF THE HEARING EXAMINER FOR VARIANCES, CONDITIONAL USES, AND BOAT DOCK EXTENSIONS SHALL BE NOTED ON THE ZONING MAP FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES. March 27, 2026 Date Andrew Dickman, Esq., AICP Hearing Examiner Page 5 of 5 EXHIBIT "A" Coca AVE. h vBo�eer C.T. Areta VE E i t^4on WA c Seminole AVE A BarnttAVE 1\ � B VB yen Bureo AVE� 'r�111�JN-1, illl! A R�16xse34ae9usu�nmmrAn����i ®sssss�e�oasss��sasssasosi MiE�N3srsUIEW1s2=1 ®� t Location Map Zoning Map Petition Number: PL20250000077 EXHIBIT "B" O� Z 15' D.E. 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GREEN, , = - N0. 46608 FTL CIVIL ENGINEERING = = STATE OF 3310 1ST AVE. N.W. �pO Fp \,:� NAPLES, FLORIDA 34120 (239) 348-0500 FAX (866) 720-4823 APPROVED: //'',FSS�ONAL LNG\ \\ DATE: llllllllll����\\\ � PREPARED z ITI m r� n C m m = p < D O �z = D Z z � o C7 m z p m D Z o O Z � � D r D z z _� o p � p z C � FOR: NAPLES GROVES LOT 113 LLC Z � PROJECT: GROVE BAYSHORE VARIANCE PLAN - EXHIBIT B-2 N O DESCRIPTION: �-, MODEL B-RIGHT-ENTRY FEATURE ELEVATION &SITE PLAN � COPYRIGHT, 2025 BY GINA R. GREEN P.A. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED DRAWN BY GRG REVISIONS CHECKED BY. GRG N0. DESCRIPTION DATE NOV 2025 1 REV PER CC COMMENTS 12-30-25 SCALE AS NOTED PROJECT N0. 251106 DWG FILE: ENTRY VARIANCE