Orange County — Board of Zoning Adjustment

VA-01-12-111 — Thomas & Elaine Johnston

Request: Variances in A-1 zone to construct metal accessory building to be used for storage and art studio as follows: 1. 4,000 sq. ft. in lieu of 500 sq. ft.; 2. 16 ft. in height in lieu 15 ft.; 3. In front of residence in lieu of rear.

Decision: Denied

Hearing: The applicant wants to construct a 4000 sq. ft. metal building in his front yard. The use would be for storage and an "art studio". Staff informed the BZA the size of the building was too large and the appearance of the building would be of an industrial nature. The President of the Avalon Home and Property Owners Association submitted a letter in opposition and also spoke at the hearing in opposition. She stated the applicant owned a mill at another location and felt this building would be used for commercial purposes. Staff indicated this request had the characteristics of becoming a zoning code enforcement issue. The BZA felt the request was not compatible with the surrounding area and did not meet the zoning variance criteria.