Title:
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400 Old Mims Road - Request for: (1) a front yard setback variance from fifty (50) feet to sixteen (16) feet for a privacy fence; and (2) a front yard setback variance from fifty (50) feet to twenty-six (26) feet for a gate and columns in the A-5 (Rural) district; BV2024-131 (Alan & Donna Loeffert, Applicants) District 2 - Zembower (Kathy Hammel, Project Manager)
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Department/Division:
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Development Services - Planning and Development
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Authorized By:
Kathy Hammel
Contact/Phone Number:
Kathy Hammel - (407) 665-7389
Motion/Recommendation:
1. Deny request for: (1) a front yard setback variance from fifty (50) feet to sixteen (16) feet for a privacy fence; and (2) a front yard setback variance from fifty (50) feet to twenty-six (26) feet for a gate and columns in the A-5 (Rural) district; or
2. Approve request for: (1) a front yard setback variance from fifty (50) feet to sixteen (16) feet for a privacy fence; and (2) a front yard setback variance from fifty (50) feet to twenty-six (26) feet for a gate and columns in the A-5 (Rural) district; or
3. Continue the request to a time and date certain.
Background:
• The applicant is proposing a six (6) foot privacy fence along the front yard abutting Old Mims Road. They are also proposing two (2) electronic gates that will have columns.
• The incoming gate will be twenty-six (26) feet from the property line and forty-two (42) feet from the edge of pavement of Old Mims Road. The location of the gate exceeds the minimum distance for queueing of cars off the road.
• The applicant has provided two (2) letters of support from the neighbors on the east and west, who would be the most impacted by the variance.
• The request is for a variance to Section 30.7.3.1 of the Seminole County Land Development Code, which states that the front yard setback for this zoning district is fifty (50) feet.
• There have not been prior variances for the subject property.
Staff Findings:
The applicant has not satisfied all six (6) criteria under Section 30.3.3.2(b) of the Seminole County Land Development Code for granting a variance as listed below:
1. That special conditions and circumstances exist which are peculiar to the land, structure, or building involved and which are not applicable to other lands, structures, or buildings in the same zoning classification; and
2. That the special conditions and circumstances do not result from the actions of the applicant; and
3. That granting the variance requested will not confer on the applicant any special privilege that is denied by Chapter 30 to other lands, buildings, or structures in the same zoning classification; and
4. That the literal interpretation of the provisions of Chapter 30 would deprive the applicant of rights commonly enjoyed by other properties in the same zoning classification and would work unnecessary and undue hardship on the applicant; and
5. That the variance granted is the minimum variance that will make possible the reasonable use of the land, building, or structure; and
6. That the grant of the variance will be in harmony with the general intent and purpose of Chapter 30, will not be injurious to the neighborhood, or otherwise detrimental to the public welfare.
Staff finds that the following variance criteria has not been satisfied:
The general intent of the Land Development Code is to maintain consistent setbacks; therefore, the grant of the variance will not be in harmony with the general intent and purpose of Chapter 30, would be injurious to the neighborhood, and otherwise detrimental to the public welfare. Section 30.3.3.2(b)(6)
Staff Conclusion:
Based upon the foregoing findings, the requested variance is not in the public interest and failure to grant the variance would not result in an unnecessary and undue hardship.
Staff Recommendation:
Based on the stated findings, staff recommends denial of the request, but if the Board of Adjustment determines that the applicant has satisfied all six (6) criteria under Section 30.3.3.2(b) of the Seminole County Land Development Code for granting a variance, staff recommends the following conditions of approval:
1. Any variance granted will apply only to the privacy fence, gate and columns as depicted on the attached site plan; and
2. Any additional condition(s) deemed appropriate by the Board of Adjustment, based on information presented at the public hearing.