Orange County — Board of Zoning Adjustment

SE-15-12-120 — TAM BAO TEMPLE

Request: Special Exception in the A-1 zoning district to build a 3,600 sq. ft. living quarters for 4 staff members affiliated with a religious use (temple on adjacent lot).

Decision: Denied

Hearing: The applicant is requesting a Special Exception to build a 3,600 sq. ft. living quarters for 4 staff members affiliated with a religious use (temple on adjacent lot). Staff explained that a neighbor adjacent to the rear yard presented concerns about fireworks and noise from the existing temple property to the north. The applicant stated that the house would just be for living and walking and meditation only, with no fireworks. They further stated that they had not witnessed noise or fireworks at the site in over 10 years. The applicant also agreed to locate the house 50 feet from the rear property line. The BZA confirmed that the house would be for residential purposes only, and the temple activities would not be brought to the property, and that there was not a fence separating the properties. The BZA felt that a Special Exception would not be necessary if a house (without religious uses) was allowed on the property. There was no opposition at the hearing. The BZA concluded this request would create additional adverse impacts to the neighbor to the rear if this request was approved. The BZA denied the Special Exception.