Orange County — Board of Zoning Adjustment

VA-16-04-019 — MINESH PATEL

Request: Variance in the I-1/I-5 zoning district to allow a 5 ft. wide buffer yard adjacent to residential zoning in lieu of 50 ft. (Note: The property to the north has a Future Land Use designation of Industrial but is zoned R-CE. The property is the stem of a 130+ acre flag lot which extends to the east. The stem is 75 ft. in width and over 1,300 ft. in length).

Decision: Approved

Hearing: The applicant stated the proposed use is a landscaping facility and they have been parking there for years with the same buffer. The BZA discussed removing or relocating parking spaces to provide a larger buffer. The applicant explained that they cannot relocate the parking spaces and increase the buffer due to the location of existing handicap spaces and the septic tank location. The BZA confirmed that it is unlikely that any house will be built on the adjacent property to the north, and the 75 foot flag portion will likely be an access/drive aisle for a future industrial development. They also felt the 75 foot drive aisle will actually provide a buffer and meets the spirit and intent of the code. Staff received one commentary in favor of the application and none in opposition. There was no opposition at the hearing. The BZA approved the variance.