Florida Construction News staff writer
A condo tower has been approved by the Sarasota Planning Board, despite objections from neighboring residents. The proposed building, The Obsidian, would become the tallest structure in the city, standing about 330 feet at 1260 N. Palm Ave.
The Planning Board rejected an appeal from residents who argued that the developer, 1260 Palm Properties LLC, “exploited city regulations” to push the building’s height beyond zoning codes. The controversy centers around the use of space between floors, which some critics claim was manipulated to increase the building’s height while adhering to the zoning rule that caps buildings at 18 stories.
The city’s zoning code stipulates that the height of buildings is determined by the number of floors, with each floor’s space limited to a maximum of 14 feet between the finished floor and ceiling.
Residents opposed to the development say they are concerned that the building would overshadow their properties and negatively affect the neighborhood.
The developer, however, says the space between floors is not unusual and was necessary due to the tight constraints of the site, which is just a quarter-acre in size.
George Scarfe, a partner with Hoyt Architects, told the committee that the 59 feet of interstitial space planned for The Obsidian is comparable to other buildings in the area and will allow for the units to have higher ceilings.
The developer’s legal representative urged the committee not to be swayed by “likes and dislikes” of residents.
“Today you’re gonna hear a lot about what people like and what people don’t like, but your job is not like and don’t like. Your real job as planning board members is to decide what meets code,” she said, adding that the staff reports and supporting documents presented to the committee “clearly indicate that this site plan and adjustment meet code.”
Proponents pointed to a staff report that stated :the proposed development is compliant with all development standards of the zoning code, including height, parking and façade requirements.”
The Sarasota City Commission must approve the project before construction can begin.
