Orange County — Board of Zoning Adjustment

VA-18-10-128 — JUAN LIN

Request: Variances in the R-1A zoning district as follows: 1) To allow additional construction on a lot with 5,462 sq. ft. of lot area in lieu of 7,500 sq. ft. 2) To allow additional construction on a lot with 50 ft. of frontage in lieu of 75 ft. 3) To allow an existing residence with a side (north) setback of 6 ft. in lieu of 7.5 ft. 4) To allow construction of an addition to the rear of an existing residence with a rear (west) setback of 18 ft. in lieu of 30 ft.

Decision: Approved

Hearing: Staff noted that due to the size of most of the lots in the subdivision in which the subject property is located, the subdivision is more compatible with the R-1 zoning district than the R-1A zoning which is in place today. Due to this mismatch of zoning and lot size, the lots are substandard. Any property owner desiring to make improvements to their property would need variances for lot size, width, etc. The greater setbacks and smaller lot size also combine to impede making meaningful additions to the homes in this neighborhood. Staff noted that the addition will actually bring the square footage of the home, which is currently nonconforming, into compliance with current code. It will also provide needed space for the applicant's family members who will be moving to this country. Staff concluded that three (3) abutting and adjacent neighbors submitted correspondence in support of the request. The applicant concurred with staff's recommendation and indicated that they will be improving the property and removing the existing shed. There being no one present to speak in favor or opposition to the request, the public hearing was closed. The BZA concluded that given the mismatch of zoning to lot size, and the fact that the variance will bring much needed improvements to the neighborhood. A motion to recommend approval was passed unanimously.