Orange County — Board of Zoning Adjustment

SE-19-07-065 — Chris Decker

Request: Special Exception in the R-1 zoning district to convert an existing accessory structure into a guest house.

Decision: Approved

Hearing: "Staff explained that the applicant wishes to use an existing accessory structure located in their rear yard as a guest house.  Staff noted the differences between a guest house and Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), those being, a guest house can have no kitchen, just a wet bar with an under counter refrigerator, they are only for intermittent occupancy, and they can never be used as a rental. Staff noted that the applicant's HOA had contacted staff and informed them that the proposal is not permitted by the HOAs' restrictive covenants.  Staff advised the HOA representative that they are bound by the Zoning Code and cannot enforce more restrictive HOA guidelines. Staff did note that they were recommending conditions regarding the proposed floor plan.  The were recommending that the bathroom be shorted, and have only one point of access. In addition, there should be a common room accessible from both bedrooms. Staff concluded that they had received two (2) correspondence in support and none in opposition.