Orange County — Board of Zoning Adjustment

VA-03-11-130 — Oren Gabbai

Request: Variances in R-2 (residential-I-4 unit structures) zone to construct duplexes on two (2) substandard lots as follows: 1) 50 ft. lot width in lieu of 80 ft.; 2) 7,500 sq. ft. of lot area in lieu of 8,000 sq. ft.; 3) 1 parking space in lieu of 2 spaces. (NOTE: The applicant proposes to remove the existing single family residence and construct one (1) single family residence on one lot and two (2) duplexes on two lots. The duplex development requires the variances outlined above).

Decision: Approved

Hearing: The applicant wants to demolish a large single family residence on the property. His Variance application was to develop the land with five dwelling units on substandard lot size and lot width, as indicated. Three 50-foot wide lots are involved with the proposed project; two of the lots are the subject of the variance application. The neighborhood is a small, primarily single family enclave. The CPP density designation is LD (4 DU/Ac). Staff recommended denial of the request in that the amount of housing would be inconsistent with the CPP (resulting density 9.4 DU/AC) and the character of the area. The applicant could re-develop the property with three dwelling units (duplex and/or single family residences) without the need of a Variance. The applicant stated he felt the project was consistent with the newer duplex developments under construction on 50-foot lots in neighboring the City of Orlando. He stated the design of his units will be consistent with those projects in Orlando. Several property owners in the neighborhood spoke at the BZA hearing in favor of the request. They felt new development would improve the aesthetics and property values in the neighborhood. There was no opposition present. The BZA was concerned about the density issue but agreed the project would be consistent with the development trend in the City of Orlando. Staff offered a compromise situation. Instead of the five dwelling units requested, staff recommended four (two duplex units) on the total parcel. This would result in only one Variance needed for substandard lot width (75 feet per lot in lieu of 80 feet), and a density of 7.7 dwelling units per acre. The BZA felt this was a reasonable compromise and unanimously recommended its approval.