Orange County — Board of Zoning Adjustment

VA-21-01-128 — Yohannes Marsie-Hazen

Request: Variance in the R-1 zoning district to allow the construction of a single-family residence 26 ft. from the Normal High Water Elevation (NHWE) in lieu of 50 ft.

Decision: Approved

Hearing: SYNOPSIS: Staff presented the location of the site, the site plan, elevations and floor plans of the proposed residence, and the history of the property, noting the prior lot split. Staff provided an analysis of the six (6) criteria and the reasons for a recommendation for denial. Staff explained that the applicant could have designed a two-story home with a smaller footprint, or proposed a detached garage in a different location, which could have reduced the variance needed. Staff noted that they had received ten (10) correspondences in support and three (3) in opposition. The applicant stated that a two-story home would not be a viable option for her needs. She also pointed out that N. Dean Road was to be expanded and did not want to locate the improvements near the road for safety reasons. There was no one in attendance to speak in favor or in opposition to the request. The BZA discussed the proximity of the proposed residence on the property to Dean Rd. and to Lake Georgia. The BZA unanimously recommended approval of the variance by a 6-0 vote, subject to the five (5) conditions in the staff report.