Orange County — Board of Zoning Adjustment

VA-16-08-099 — KATHY BUCKNELL

Request: Variance in the P-D zoning district to construct a screen porch 5 ft. from rear property line in lieu of 15 ft. (Note: The applicant has an existing screen room with a screened roof. She proposes to install a solid insulated roof over the existing screen enclosure. The lot backs up to a large stormwater management pond owned by the HOA. The HOA has submitted a letter supporting the requested variance.)

Decision: Approved

Hearing: Staff noted that the applicant desired a solid roof to make the porch more weather proof and comfortable. However, due to the location of the home on the lot, there was no way that the applicant could ever have anything other than a screen room. It was further noted that the applicant was not adding any additional square footage to the porch. Finally, staff noted that the residents on both sides of the subject property had submitted letters of support, and that staff had received two (2) additional correspondence, with one (1) in favor and one (1) in opposition. The applicant indicated that they had purchased the house, and did not find out about the roof issue until they had applied for a permit to install a solid insulated roof. There being no one in attendance to speak for or against the application, the public hearing was closed. The BZA concluded that the fact that the applicant had purchased the house was evidence that the hardship was not self-made. In addition, they are being deprived the ability to have the type of roof others could have due to the regulations. A motion was made and seconded to recommend approval of the request.