Home Elevation and Zoning Barriers
Summary
St. Armands resident Henry Kahwaty pressed the commission again to fix zoning rules that make it hard for coastal homeowners to elevate their houses for flood resilience, arguing variance criteria hinder rebuilding after storms.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 6
- Last 30 days
- 4
Rising — discussed at 3 meetings since Oct 19, 2026, up from 0 in the two months before.
Impact analysis
None to the city.
Coastal homeowners who want to elevate their homes before the next hurricane.
None identified in testimony.
Mentions & discussions (6)
City Commission (Special) - Nov 2, 2026
St. Armands resident Henry Kowati, making his eighth appearance, asked the city to let homeowners build above minimum flood elevations rather than rely on minimum-deviation variances. Staff is working on suggested language; a policy decision awaits a future commission.
City Commission (Regular) - Nov 2, 2026
Resident Henry Kahwaty, wrapping up a yearlong series of comments, argued variance rules that require building only to base flood plus one foot leave homes vulnerable, and urged the city to let homeowners build higher.
Board of Adjustment - Oct 28, 2026
A couple needed a small variance to stack a second story over a wall that already legally sticks 4 feet into the required setback — the grandfathered condition didn't automatically extend upward. The board agreed matching the existing wall line is reasonable.
City Commission (Regular) - Oct 19, 2026
St. Armands resident Henry Kahwaty pressed the commission again to fix zoning rules that make it hard for coastal homeowners to elevate their houses for flood resilience, arguing variance criteria hinder rebuilding after storms.
City Commission (Regular) - Feb 17, 2026
A resident explained how setback, daylight-plane and 35% building-coverage rules block homeowners from raising houses out of flood risk; Commissioner Alpert has asked staff to research the issue.
City Commission (Regular) - Feb 2, 2026
A St. Armands resident who flooded in both Helene and Milton asked the city to modify zoning rules so homeowners can elevate their houses without year-long permit delays.
Related development
Variance Petition No. 26-VAN-07
Adds a second single-family home consistent with most lots in the subdivision; future tree removal and permits still go through the city's normal process.
Variance Petition No. 26-VAR-08
The addition matches neighboring two-story homes and preserves existing trees; if the house were ever torn down, full current setbacks would apply again.
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