Orange County — Board of Zoning Adjustment

VA-18-04-024 — GARY BEVERLY

Request: Variance in the C-2 zoning district to allow a rear setback of 7.5 ft. in lieu 20 ft.

Decision: Approved

Hearing: Staff noted that the applicant had been asked to resubmit a revised plan showing how they proposed to meet the Landscape Code. Staff was appreciative of the speed with which they had accomplished the resubmittal. Staff noted that the parcel was not only small, but also very irregularly shaped. The existing building is only 7.5 ft. from the rear property line. This building is to be converted to office and storage. The new building will be 10 ft. from the rear property line. To the north the land is zoned for multifamily, however, due to it location, it is questionable how much is actually high and dry. Staff noted that they had not received any written correspondence, however they had spoken with several neighbors by phone. Most were not happy with the current appearance of the property, which the new building should help to resolve. The neighbors were also not happy about the vagrants and lack of maintenance on the property to the north of the subject property, and about some of the criminal activity which has taken place in the neighborhood. The applicant wished clarification that the variance will validate the existing building as well as allowing the new buildings. Staff confirmed that this was the case. There being no one in attendance to speak on this application, the public hearing was closed. The BZA concluded that given the size and configuration of the lot, the lot would be virtually unusable without the variance. A motion to recommend approval was unanimously approved.