Orange County — Board of Zoning Adjustment

VA-00-05-010 — Cynthia Greene-Bert

Request: Variances in R-T-2 zone to allow structures to remain as follows: 1. two mobile home residences in lieu of one; 2. three accessory buildings with a cumulative square footage of 560 sq. ft. in lieu of 500 sq. ft.; 3. accessory building (176 sq. ft. pole barn) in front of mobile home residence in lieu of rear.

Decision: Approved

Hearing: The applicant is the property owner who lives on-site with her two daughters and an infant granddaughter. The applicant is wheelchair-bound, and one of the daughters is also physically challenged. The other daughter cares for all three. The applicant explained to the BZA that the family has suffered financial hardships; they are trying to live on their own while still keeping the family intact. She stated that one mobile home was on the property when she purchased it. Orange County Social Services assisted in obtaining the second mobile home unit. The second unit is needed to accommodate the family members and so there is room for the daughter's baby sitting services, which is the family's only source of self supporting income. The applicant had built the pole barn and a storage shed without permits. They are both used for storage. A wood shed was already located on the property when she bought it. Staff noted there have been several variance requests granted in the area for second mobile homes, usually for family members. As to the accessory buildings, the buildings are not large buildings individually, and none of them are visible from the road or adjacent properties. Two commentaries were received in opposition. Two commentaries were received in favor. The applicant submitted a petition with 27 signatures in favor of the request. There was no opposition present at the public hearing.