Orange County — Board of Zoning Adjustment

VA-03-04-041 — Michael Salber

Request: Variances in R- CE (single family-1 acre lots) zone to construct detached accessory building (garage) as follows: 1) 1,600 sq. ft. in lieu of 1,000 sq. ft.; 2) 18.5 ft. in height in lieu of 15 ft.

Decision: Approved

Hearing: The applicant is proposing a detached garage at the rear of the property that will exceed the square footage and height limitation for the designated zoning district. The adjacent property located to the north is currently vacant and there is adequate buffering consisting of mature trees between the location of the proposed structure and adjacent property to the south. This will limit the visual impact of this request. The homeowner¿s association met regarding this request and decided not to take a position until the Board of Zoning Adjustment issued a final decision. Both Staff and the BZA members voiced concerns regarding the height limit, covered porch, and that no other variances of this nature had been granted in this subdivision. Furthermore, if the request was approved, it would set a precedence. The applicant stated the reason for the height was to comply with the homeowner¿s association requirements for consistency with the pitch of the roof and the roof design of the existing home. The applicant also stated the existing home was approximately 17 feet in height and the garage would only be 1.5 feet higher than the home. Fourteen commentaries were submitted in favor. There was no opposition.