ARC and Sumter County Variance

[optv13sp]

We live in a newer district that is still under the Developer. In May, 2015, it will no longer be governed by the Developer. Our home backs up to a busy street and there is a 20 foot setback from the sidewalk. We would like to extend our lanai 2-3 feet. The developer says no…not with the 20 foot setback. Sumter County said they pretty much go along with the decision of the Developer or the ARC in granting a variance. We have talked with an ARC administrator, Sumter County, T&D, and the compliance officer for our district. All have indicated that if we wait until May, 2015 and then apply to the ARC, there's a pretty good chance we will get the approval. After ARC approval, one must then apply to Sumter County for a Variance. There's a $500 fee for the Variance application. This fee is not refundable, regardless of their decision. We are trying to decide whether we should wait and perhaps/hopefully get ARC approval for extending our lanai or just go ahead now and get our lanai enclosed with glass now. Another complicating factor is that we are going to install a patio outside our lanai which we can't do until we know the decision about the lanai extension…or not.

So, here's the question: has anyone who backs up to a busy street with a 20 foot setback from the sidewalk ever applied to ARC for an extension of their lanai? If so, why was the outcome?
Any info about experience with a similar situation would be appreciated.

[llaran]

We back up to Parr drive near the center island and we had to have 15 foot easement, not sure why you were told 20.

[janmcn]

We back up to Parr drive near the center island and we had to have 15 foot easement, not sure why you were told 20.

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[optv13sp]

Could it be that the Parr Drive area, which is in district five, has already been turned over to the district whereas the OP lives in a developer controlled area?

This is pretty big news that the developer is ceding control of this newer area in May 2015. Would you care to divulge in what district you live?

Dist #9. I assumed this info was correct due to the source. Perhaps I should check it out again. If indeed this isn't going to happen in May, 2015, we would not want to wait much longer than next spring/summer to proceed with our plans. We aren't getting any younger.

[janmcn]

Dist #9. I assumed this info was correct due to the source. Perhaps I should check it out again. If indeed this isn't going to happen in May, 2015, we would not want to wait much longer than next spring/summer to proceed with our plans. We aren't getting any younger.

Not to confuse you even more, but I deleted my post because I realized that Tall Trees (the Parr Drive area) is actually in district six not district five. To the best of my knowledge, district six has not been turned over from the developer to the district.

The best place to look for accurate information would be your District #9 representatives.