Orange County — Board of Zoning Adjustment

SE-14-10-055 — Vedic Cultural Samaj of Central Florida, Inc.

Request: Special Exception in R-1A zone to convert existing single family residence (total of 3,000 sq. ft) into a religious use facility for up to 30 members and Variance to allow unpaved (grassed) parking spaces in lieu of paved.

(Note: On March 1, 2007, this site received special exception approval to construct a 2,000 sq. ft. religious use facility. That approval has expired)

Decision: Approved

Hearing: The applicant is requesting a Special Exception to convert an existing single family residence in the R-1A zoning district into a religious facility, and to obtain a variance to permit nine grassed parking spaces with a stabilized drive aisle. It was noted that there are several religious institution already in existence in the area, establishing the character of the area. The Board confirmed that while the proposed parking would be grass the handicap space would be paved. Staff confirmed that point. The Board also noted that it was normal that a condition be attached limiting the number of outdoor events a religious institution is permitted, and limiting the time of day to daylight hours. A condition was developed limiting the number of outdoor events per year to four, and limiting the hours of the events to daylight hours. The BZA approved the request with an additional condition added to limit the number of outdoor events to no more than four per year, with each event to come to an end at sundown. There was no opposition at the hearing.