Orange County — Board of Zoning Adjustment

SE-16-12-157 — TAM BAO BUDDHIST MONASTERY

Request: Special Exception in the A-1 zoning district to expand existing religious use to include the construction of a new 5,000 sq. ft. meditation hall building and Variance to allow grass parking in lieu of paved parking spaces. (Note: The proposed meditation hall will not have any outdoor activities associated with it).

Decision: Approved

Hearing: Staff gave a presentation on the case, covering the location, the site plan, design, and photos. The applicant stated the monastery was established to provide a quiet, serene environment, and that they intend to keep the existing trees and to plant more, and that the reason for the grass parking was to continue with a low impact and infrequent use. The BZA confirmed the uses and times of operation and asked about outdoor activities. Three people spoke in favor of the case, citing the benefits of meditation and stating that the use is quiet, and that they have never heard any chanting or loud noise. One neighbor spoke against the case, citing festivals with over 100 people, chanting at 4 am, and loitering. The applicant stated the use is quiet, and referred to the neighbor of 25 years, who stated there was no amplified sound and no chanting late at night. The BZA felt the use was not a nuisance to the public. Staff received 1 commentary in favor of the application and 4 in opposition. The BZA approved the Special Exception and variance.