HomeMy WebLinkAbout7/20/2016 - MinutesBZA Members Present: Mr. Richard Manes, Chairman
Mr. Eric 'Thomas
Mr. Barry Beckner
Mr. Carlton Wright
Staff Present: Ms. Rebecca James, Alternate Secretary
Mr. Peter Lubeck, Senior Assistant County Attorney
Mr. Brian Hughes
Ms. Bailey DuBois
Ms. Susan McCoy, Recording Secretary
CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Jones called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Mr. Wright made a motion to approve the agenda. Mr. Beckner seconded the motion,
which passed 4-0.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Thomas made a motion to approve the January 21, 2016, minutes. Mr. Wright
seconded the motion, which passed 4-0.
PUBLIC HEARING
The petition of a variance requested by Charles W. Thurman of Section 30-41-3(B)l of
the Roanoke County Zoning Ordinance to reduce the minimum front yard setback from
30 feet to no closer than 22 feet, adjacent to Alpine Road. The purpose of this request is
to construct an attached garage located at 12'07 Nover Avenue, Hollins Magisterial
District.
Mr. Charles Thurman, 1207 Mover Avenue, stated he is requesting a variance to reduce
the front yard setback in order to build a new garage to store his antique cars and
mechanic tools, noting he currently has no place to store these items. He stated with the
two storage buildings at the rear of the house, a garage will not fit behind the house,
Mr. Wright inquired when the fence and two storage buildings were constructed on the
property. Mr. Thurman stated the property had one storage building when they purchased
the property, noting the fence and one storage building were added after they purchased
the property. Mr. Wright discussed other options regarding placement of the garage. Mr.
Thomas discussed the regulations regarding granting a variance. He reviewed other
locations on the property the garage could be placed. Mr. Thurman stated constructing
the garage in any other location would disrupt the yard, causing him to incur additional
BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS MINUTES JULY 20, 2016
costs. He stated these changes would include removing fencing, landscaping, cutting a
tree, and moving a storage building. Mr. Wright stated the General Assembly has set
forth guidelines specifically excluding financial consideration as a hardship. He inquired
if the petitioner had considered consulting an architect. Mr. Thurman stated he had not
considered consulting an architect.
Mr. Jones opened the public hearing for public comment.
Ms. Deloris Thurman, 1207 Nover Avenue, stated they purchased the house with two lots
and planned to build a garage on the additional lot. She stated their grandchildren play
in the backyard, noting if the children play in the additional lot they will be too close to the
road.
With no other citizens requesting to speak, Mr. Jones closed the public comment portion
of the meeting.
Mr. Wright made a motion to deny the variance request based on the following findings
pursuant to Section 15.2-2309 of the Code of Virginia: the applicant for the variance has
not proved, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the strict application of the terms of
the zoning ordinance would unreasonably restrict utilization of the property.
Mr. Beckner seconded the motion which passed with the following vote:
AYES:
Beckner, Jones, Thomas, Wright
NAYES:
None
ABSTAIN:
None
COMMENTS
Ms. James stated the next Board of Zoning Appeals Public Hearing will be held on August
17, 2016.
The Board of Zoning Appeals members requested that the Zoning Ordinance be reviewed
regarding side yard setbacks on corner lots. Ms. James stated she will forward this
request to Mr. Murphy.
There being no further business, Mr. Jones adjourned the meeting at 7:12 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan McCoy, Recording Mcretary
Roanoke County Board of Zoning Appeals
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BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS MINUTES
JULY 20, 2016
Rebecca James, Alternailb Secretary
Roanoke County Board of Zoning Appeals
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