Orange County — Board of Zoning Adjustment

VA-02-07-081 — Joseph Caldero

Request: Variances in R-1A (single family-7,500 sq. ft. lots) zone as follows: 1. Addition to single family residence for living purposes 5 ft. from side property line on the west in lieu of 7.5 ft.; 2. Provide one parking space in lieu of two (second space eliminated due to enclosure of carport/proposed addition).

Decision: Approved

Hearing: Most of the subject addition already exists. It was built in violation by the previous owners and had been red-tagged by the Building Division in 1997 for failure to obtain permits. In the meantime, the house fell in disrepair and became an eyesore in the neighborhood. Several commentaries were received in opposition. The opposition was based on the poor appearance of the house and the lack of code compliance. The new owner submitted a professional set of proposed renovation plans for the entire structure. He stated he was committed to those plans and would start work as quickly as possible. One neighboring resident spoke in favor at the hearing, stating the renovation of the house would be an improvement to the area. The abutting property owner to the west addressed the BZA with concerns about how the variance would affect his property. He wanted assurance the house would be upgraded. After a brief explanation, the speaker indicated no objection. The original house is very small and old, as are other homes in this neighborhood. The neighborhood is in need of revitalization, and renovation such as that proposed by the applicant will benefit that cause. The BZA felt the overall project constituted an improvement to the property and the neighborhood. Conditions were imposed to protect the neighboring property to the west from drainage concerns and to ensure the renovation project would in fact take place and done so in a timely fashion.