Orange County — Board of Zoning Adjustment

VA-17-08-069 — LAURA KELLEY

Request: Variances in the R-1 zoning district for the following: 1) To validate existing garage 5 ft. from front (west) property line in lieu of 25 ft.; and, 2) To convert existing covered porch into living area 6 ft. from front property line in lieu of 25 ft.. (Note: According to Property Appraiser's data, the home was built in 1945. Applicant purchased the home in 2010. Applicant proposes to renovate and expand existing residence.)

Decision: Approved

Hearing: Staff explained the history of the property, noting that the existing structures had been built in 1945. Also, a review of the historic zoning maps used to verify whether a property existed to the point that it would be considered a parcel of record showed that the property was in its current configuration at that time. The applicant would suffer a hardship without the variance in that they would be forced to demolish the garage with the living space over it to reconstruct it 25 ft. from the west property line. The applicant concurred with the staff recommendations and all conditions. There being no one in attendance to speak for or against the request, the public hearing was closed. The BZA concluded that the variance was justified due to the history of the property and the hardship the applicant would suffer if the variances were not granted.