HomeMy WebLinkAbout7/15/2020 - Minutes01 A
County of Roanoke
D
BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
PUBLIC HEARING MINUTES
JULY 15, 2020
Mr. Richard Jones, Chairman
Mr. Robert Arthur
Mr. George Assaid
Mr. Eric Thomas
Mr. Carlton Wright
Staff Present: Ms. Rebecca James, Secretary
Ms. Rachel Lower, Senior Assistant County Attorney
Mr. William Richardson
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. Thomas seconded the motion,
which passed 5-0.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr, Thomas made a motion to approve the January 15, 2020, minutes. Mr. Arthur
seconded the motion, which passed 4-0-1, with Mr. Assaid abstaining,
APPROVAL OF SECRETARY AND ALTERNATES
Mr. Wright made a motion to appoint Ms. James Secretary, He also included having staff
as alternates. Mr. Thomas seconded the motion, which passed 5-0.
PUBLIC HEARING
The petition of a variance requested by Thomas and Whitney Blaszak of Section 30-41-
3(B)1 of the Roanoke County Zoning Ordinance to reduce the minimum front setback
for a primary structure from 30 feet to 23 feet. The purpose of this request is to
construct a cover over an existing stoop located at 5416 Flintlock Lane, Cave Spring
Magisterial District.
Ms. Whitney Blaszack provided a PowerPoint presentation,, noting the front door of the
house is the only entry way to the house without a full flight of stairs. Mr. Thomas
Blaszak stated it is easier for the children to come into the house at the front entrance.
He stated the driveway is very steep and they do not use it in the winter, noting they
park in, front of the house using the front door as their main entrance. He stated
packages delivered to the house get wet. Ms. Blaszack stated there is no existing
covering over the door. She stated the cover over the stoop would provide a place for
them to watch the children while they play. She discussed the topography of the
property. She stated they bring the groceries in through the front door. She stated they
have lived in the house for three years. She stated her original dream was to extend
BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS MINUTES JULY 15, 2020
the porch across the full front of the house, noting they scaled their plans back due to
the zoning regulations. She reviewed the concept plan, noting they want to respect the
zoning ordinance. She stated they watch the children play from the front stoop. Mr.
Blaszack stated the existing stoop is brick. He stated the children are outside a lot now.
He stated the house is on a flat cul-de-sac and they want to be able to watch them
without being in the sun and heat. Ms. Blaszak stated the sun beats directly on the front
door, noting the children have burned their hands on the hot door.
Mr. Jones opened the public hearing for public comment.
With no citizens requesting to speak, Mr. Jones closed the public comment portion of the
meeting.
Mr. Wright made a motion to approve 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
proven, 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. Jones requested the motion include the width of the structure will not exceed 18 feet.
Mr. Wright amended his motion to include that the width of the structure will not exceed
18 feet.
Mr. Thomas seconded the motion which passed with the following vote:
AYES:
Arthur, Assaid, Jones, Thomas, Wright
NAYES:
None
ABSTAIN:
None
COMMENTS
There being no further business, Mr. Jones adjourned the meeting at 7:15 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan McCoy, Recording S&zktary
Roanoke County Board of Zoning Appeals
C CC ct, iV,n '
R ecca .tames, Secretary
Roanoke County Board of Aing Appeals
Page 2 of 2