Orange County — Board of Zoning Adjustment

SE-21-01-123 — Freedom Ride (Amy Daly)

Request: Amendment to an approved Special Exception and Variances in the R-1A zoning district to allow for an updated site plan as follows: 1) Special Exception to allow a therapeutic riding center (indoor/outdoor recreation se). 2) Variance to allow grass parking for an overflow parking area in lieu of parking on an improved surface. 3) ariance to allow grass drive aisles for an overflow parking area in lieu of parking on an improved surface. 4) Variance to allow an accessory structure (dumpster enclosure) to be located in front of the principal structures in lieu of along side or behind. 5) Variance to allow grass parking for the overflow parking associated with the riding arena in lieu of paved parking.

Decision: Approved

Hearing: Staff noted that this is a revision to the Special Exception and Variances granted in May 2020. The applicant, in response to input from the neighbors, revised the site plan to relocate the barn and arena. The result will be the preservation of over 12 mature live oaks. Staff noted that they had scheduled a virtual Community Meeting for 12/3/2020. The meeting began, however, it was cancelled when no members of the public signed into the meeting. Staff noted that they had sent out 196 notices, and did not receive one correspondence in support or opposition to the request. The applicant explained the mission of their organization, and how finding the subject property as a permanent home will improve the amount and type of assistance they can provide. There was no one present to speak in favor or opposition to the request. The BZA concluded that the proposed Special Exception and use is compatible with the surrounding area and that approval of the Variances will allow the property to continue to operate in the same manner and appearance. The BZA unanimously recommended approval of the Special Exception and Variances, subject to the twelve (12) conditions in the staff report.