06.09.2026 BOA Agenda Packet

Board of Adjustment Regular Meeting · 2026-06-09 · agenda_packet

[97 Paul Road, 155 Paul Road, and 57 Hicoria Road, Venus, Florida; case BOA 2004] Highlands County Zoning Board of Adjustment considered a request for a special exception for a sand mine. The project involves three parcels totaling approximately 243.97 acres located at 97 Paul Road, 155 Paul Road, and 57 Hicoria Road in Venus. The applicant, Hicoria I LLC and Hicoria II LLC, requested to allow sand mining, involving extraction of natural materials and removal of earth and topsoil. The staff recommended denial, citing concerns about increased commercial truck traffic on local roadways, potential impacts to groundwater and surrounding habitats, incompatibility with the rural residential and agricultural character of the area, and potential injury to the value of adjoining properties. The Board of Adjustment's decision is not stated in this document excerpt. [153 E A Smith Ave, Lake Placid, Florida; case BOA 2012] Highlands County Zoning Board of Adjustment approved a variance for a damaged dwelling. The project involves an approximate 0.11-acre parcel at 153 E A Smith Ave, Lake Placid. The applicant, Yshetta Holden (c/o Sarah Maier, Dewberry Engineers), requested a 2.25-foot variance to allow a 12.75-foot corner setback instead of the required 15 feet. The variance was needed to replace a damaged dwelling. The decision date is not explicitly stated for this item in the provided text, but it was listed on the June 9, 2026 agenda. [130 E A Smith Ave, Lake Placid, Florida; case BOA 2002] Highlands County Zoning Board of Adjustment approved a variance to replace a damaged dwelling. The project involved an approximate 0.11-acre parcel at 130 E A Smith Ave, Lake Placid. The applicant, Michael and Leonard Callahan (c/o Sarah Maier, Dewberry Engineers), requested a 5.5-foot variance to allow a 19.5-foot front yard setback instead of the required 25 feet. The variance was needed to replace a damaged dwelling due to property grade. No members of the public spoke for or against the request. The motion carried 6-1. [211 Lark Avenue, Sebring, Florida; case BOA 2007] Highlands County Zoning Board of Adjustment approved a special exception to allow the raising, keeping, or maintaining of up to two caged hens. The project involved an approximate 0.23-acre parcel at 211 Lark Avenue, Sebring. The applicant, Ann Brooks, received five letters of objection and one petition from surrounding property owners, citing concerns about disease, vermin, pests, decreased property values, roosters, chicken excrement, and damage to property. One member of the audience spoke in favor, seeking clarification on coop demolition. The motion carried 7-0. [218 Rail Avenue, Sebring, Florida; case BOA 2009] Highlands County Zoning Board of Adjustment approved a special exception for raising caged hens with reduced setbacks for the coop. The project involved an approximate 0.24-acre parcel at 218 Rail Avenue, Sebring. The applicant, John Austin Muldoon (c/o Megan Rossi), requested a special exception to allow up to two caged hens with a reduced setback of 12 feet 10 inches from the side property line and 16 feet 2 inches from the rear property line for the chicken coop. The agent stated the reduced setback was to preserve existing trees. One letter of objection was received. No members of the public spoke for or against the request. The motion carried 6-1. [1500 Duane Palmer Blvd, Sebring, Florida; case BOA 2010] Highlands County Zoning Board of Adjustment approved a variance to enclose an existing screen room. The project involved an approximate 0.36-acre parcel at 1500 Duane Palmer Blvd, Sebring. The applicant, Guy and Mary Stanley, requested a 7-foot variance to allow an 18-foot rear yard setback instead of the required 25 feet. One letter stated there would be no impact from the requested variance. No members of the public spoke for or against the request. The motion carried 7-0.