Orange County — Board of Zoning Adjustment

SE-19-12-137 — Tam Bao Temple (Douglas Lam)

Request: Special Exception and Variance in the A-1 zoning district as follows: 1) Special Exception to expand an existing religious use to include the construction of a new 7,368 sq. ft. meditation hall building. 2) Variance to allow up to 49 grass parking spaces in lieu of paved parking spaces.

Decision: Approved

Hearing: Staff gave a presentation on the case covering the location of the property, the site plan, and photos of the site. A neighbor spoke in opposition stating: that this will cause a change to the rural area, that the proposal is a large structure, and that he can hear the current user chanting early in the morning. The applicant stated that they do not chant loudly, but rather meditate, and further explained that the existing building is old and not well insulated, and the new building will be better insulated against sound. The BZA felt that the new building should alleviate the neighbor's concerns and noted that the applicant has committed to having parking on site. The BZA also noted that the living quarters will be compatible with the area and the proposed setbacks and length of time that the religious facility has existed on the property. Staff received 65 commentaries in favor of the application, and 5 in opposition to the application. The BZA approved the Special Exception and variance.