Orange County — Board of Zoning Adjustment

VA-02-08-093 — Michael R. Jackson

Request: Variance in R-1AA (single family-10,000 sq. ft. lots) zone to construct 1600 sq. ft. accessory building in lieu of 554 ft. (25% size of home).

Decision: Approved

Hearing: The BZA felt the proposed 1,600 square feet accessory ilding was too large, given the size of the property was only 1/2 acre. The BZA's policy is to approve 1,000 square feet, plus or minus, one acre sized lots or greater. There was also a concern about the commercial appearance of the building. Upon question by the BZA, the applicant stated he is in the construction business. His brother, who owns the second parcel removed to the east, is also in construction. It was noted the brother had stored a piece of construction equipment in the back of his yard. The applicant stated that equipment has been removed and he would not store commercial equipment inside the proposed building. He has antique cars he wants to store and work on them in the proposed building. The applicant also has a carport attached to the house, a detached carport for his recreational vehicle, and shed in the back yard. An abutting homeowner due west of the proposed accessory building location spoke in opposition. He stated his bedroom window and porch face this area. He was concerned about aesthetics and loss of privacy. Several other commentaries with similar opposition were received from homeowners in the same neighborhood. The BZA imposed conditions to lessen the visual impact of the back yard to the homeowners in the subdivision to the west.