Orange County — Board of Zoning Adjustment

VA-26-05-028 — Heather Daffan

Request: Variance in the R-3 zoning district to allow a sunroom with a rear setback of 20.1 ft. in lieu of 25 ft.

Decision: Approved

Hearing: Staff described the proposal, including the location of the property, the site plan, and photos of the site. Staff provided an analysis of the six criteria and the reasons for a recommendation for denial of the Variance request. Staff noted that no comments were received in favor or in opposition to the request. The BZA asked staff about the setback differences for screen rooms and sunrooms. Staff explained that sunrooms were subject to principal structure setbacks, while screen rooms were defined as a separate use with differing setbacks per code. The applicant was present and discussed how the irregular shape of the lot constricts development and leaves minimal room for rear additions. The BZA asked the applicant about the reason for the conversion and if the sunroom would be located within the same footprint as the existing screen room. There was one person in attendance to speak in favor of the request. They discussed the compatibility with surrounding area and the near identical replacement of the structure within the same footprint. There was no one in attendance to speak in opposition of the request. The BZA discussed the request and determined that the conversion of the structure would not be intrusive to the area and would serve an almost identical purpose to the existing screen room. The BZA recommended approval of the Variance request by a 6-0 vote, with 1 absent, subject to the 3 conditions of approval in the staff report.

Conditions: 1) Development shall be in accordance with the site plan date stamped April 10, 2026, and elevations dated January 8, 2026, subject to the conditions of approval, and all applicable laws, ordinances, and regulations. Any proposed non-substantial deviations, changes, or modifications will be subject to the Zoning Manager's review and approval. Any proposed substantial deviations, changes, or modifications will be subject to a public hearing before the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) where the BZA makes a recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners (BCC).