Orange County — Board of Zoning Adjustment

VA-19-04-019 — SHEILA CICHRA

Request: Variances in the R-1AA zoning district as follows: 1) To allow an accessory structure in front of the principal structure in lieu of beside or behind the principal structure. 2) To allow an existing lot with 60 ft. of frontage in lieu of 85 ft. 3) To allow an existing residence with a side setback of 5 ft. in lieu of 7.5 ft.

Decision: Approved

Hearing: Staff noted that the plat creating the subject property was recorded a year before zoning was established by Orange County. Due to the lot widths, the entire area was made lawfully nonconforming when the initial zoning was placed on it. That degree of nonconformity was intensified in 1981, when the County change the zoning to that currently in place. Because of a combination of the siting of the home so close to the lake, the location of the septic system, and the with of the house, it is not physically possible to maneuver a vehicle around the house. Also, if constructed behind the home, the garage would likely be in the Normal High Water Elevation setback. The applicant indicated their agreement with the staff recommendation. There being no one present to speak in favor of or opposition to the request, the public hearing was closed. The BZA concluded that given the factors, there is no other location for the garage. Further it was noted that accessory structures in the front of residences was a common occurrence in this area. A motion to recommend approval of the request passed unanimously.