Orange County — Board of Zoning Adjustment

VA-18-04-023 — RADWAY LITTLEJOHN

Request: Variances in the R-1A zoning district for the following: 1) To allow a total of 1,400 sq. ft. of accessory structure floor area in lieu of 663 sq. ft. (25% of home's living area). 2) To allow an accessory structure with a height of 17 ft. in lieu of 15 ft. 3) To allow an accessory structure with a vinyl coated metal exterior in lieu of materials commonly used to construct a residence.

Decision: Approved

Hearing: Staff explained that the subject property, and every other lot in the subdivision were significantly larger than the typical R-1A lot, all being over one (1) acre in size. Due to a grade difference between the street and the location of the house and proposed shed, the shed's roof would not be visible from the street. Further, due to the angle of the lot lines, the view of the shed would be nearly totally obscured by the home. Staff noted that it had received three (3) correspondence regarding the request, with two (2) nearby neighbors in support, and one (1) in opposition who actually lives over 1/2 mile to the northeast in the section of Wedgefield which resembles an R-1 zoned subdivision. The applicant indicated that they had chosen the proposed exterior due to its cost, and the insulating character of the material. When asked by a BZA member what the difference in cost was between the proposed material and another material similar to that used in finishing a home, the applicant had not looked into that difference. The BZA discussed the materials to some length, concluding that the main issue with the exterior centered on its color. A motion was made to recommend approval of all variances with condition #4 being modified to require that the exterior color match or compliment the colors of the home. The motion passed unanimously.