Orange County — Board of Zoning Adjustment

VA-21-02-133 — Bonnie Kinney

Request: Variances in the R-2 zoning district as follows: 1) To allow an existing 1,536 sq. ft. residence to remain with a lot width of 44 ft. at the front building line in lieu of 45 ft. 2) To allow a 306 sq. ft. addition to a residence with a rear setback of 7 ft. in lieu of 25 ft.

Decision: Approved

Hearing: SYNOPSIS: Staff described the proposal, including the location of the property, the lot size, site plan, elevations, and photos of the site. Staff provided an analysis of the six (6) criteria and the reasons for a recommendation for approval for variance #1 for the existing residence and the reasons for a recommendation for denial for variance #2 since the owner has the opportunity to redesign the proposed new addition that could reduce or eliminate the need for the variance. Staff noted that the applicant had provided 15 letters of support, including the two most impacted homeowners to the south. No correspondence in opposition had been received. The applicant stated that the design was prepared by a licensed professional, who determined that the proposed design best blended the existing house with the proposed addition, and provided what was determined to be needed by the applicant. There was no one present to speak in favor or in opposition to the request. The BZA concluded that the special conditions and circumstances particular to this property is a direct result of extreme uniqueness of the lot shape; that the applicant is not responsible for the current configuration of the house in that the house was in its current location when purchased; that without the approval of variances the applicant would be deprived of their right to construct the required home addition; that the unique lot size was established by the plat and therefore approving the variances would be the minimum required; and that the purpose and intent is satisfied with the approval of the variances since the proposal is consistent with the neighborhood. The BZA unanimously recommended approval of the variances, subject to the five (5) conditions in the staff report.