Orange County — Board of Zoning Adjustment

VA-16-05-033 — CHARLES THOMPSON

Request: Variances in the R-1 zoning district to construct detached accessory building ( 2 car concrete garage) as follows: 1) In the front yard of a residence in lieu of the side or rear yard; 2) To allow a cumulative total of 1,092 sq. ft. of accessory floor area in lieu of 500 sq. ft.; and, 3) 21 ft. in height in lieu of 20 ft. (Note: The applicant has an existing shed with 192 sq. ft. of floor area. They are proposing an additional 900 sq. ft. garage for storage and maintenance of vintage cars. The lot is lakefront.)

Decision: Approved

Hearing: The applicant is requesting variances in the R-1 zoning district to locate a 900 sq. ft. garage in the front yard of the subject property. Due to an existing 192 sq. ft. shed, the applicant would have 1,092 sq. ft. of total accessory structure floor area in lieu of 500 sq. ft. Staff noted that the applicant is a collector of antique cars and wishes to build a place to store and work on them. Further, as this is a lakefront lot, the BZA typically allows the placement of accessory structures in the front yard. Staff noted that the two (2) most impacted residents on either side of the subject property submitted letters of support. Two (2) residents who are not within visual range of the property had submitted correspondence in opposition. The applicant noted that he was in support of the staff recommendation and the conditions. The BZA noted the request is excessive. The applicant noted that the existing shed was for lawn and garden equipment; and, indicated that he would be willing to remove it if he received the variance. Further, the applicant noted that he would be willing to reduce the garage to 750 sq. ft. After discussion, the BZA concluded that a condition should be added to limit the total square footage of accessory structures to 750, to be allocated any way the applicant wished to do so.