Orange County — Board of Zoning Adjustment

VA-18-10-123 — THEODORE "TED" MCGOVERN

Request: Variances in the R-CE zoning district as follows: 1) To allow a cumulative total of 2,800 sq. ft. of accessory structure floor area in lieu of 2,000 sq. ft. 2) To allow an accessory structure 22 ft. in height in lieu of 20 ft.

Decision: Approved

Hearing: Staff explained that the applicant had an RV, boat, and other recreational equipment which they wished to store out of the elements. The size of he RV was the main reason behind the need for additional height of the building, and the amount of equipment accounted for the larger square footage. Staff explained that due to the topography of the area, the storage building would be located at the base of a hill. As a result of its location, neither the height nor the size would be readily noticeable, thus mitigated. The property is 2 1/2 times the minimum size of the minimum R-CE property, and the proposed structure is over 150 ft. back from the front of the lot. Staff noted that there had been two similar variances on similarly sized properties granted in this area in the past. In addition, seven (7) abutting and adjacent neighbors had submitted letters of support for the requests. one abutting neighbor to the north submitted correspondence in opposition. The proposed structure was on the opposite side of the subject property from that neighbor, and staff was proposing a condition which would preserve the numerous trees between the site of the proposed building an that neighbor. The applicant indicated their agreement with the staff recommendation. There being no one present to speak in favor of or in opposition to the request the public hearing was closed. The BZA concluded that given the size of the subject property, and the topography, the variance was warranted. A motion to recommend approval was adopted unanimously.