The City of Morganton Board of Adjustment convened on May 12, 2025, to discuss a variance request concerning a property setback. The meeting focused on the implications of the city’s zoning ordinance and the specific circumstances surrounding the applicant's property.

The session began with a review of the application for a 64-foot setback, which the applicant argued posed a hardship due to topographical constraints. Board members engaged in a detailed discussion regarding the limitations imposed by the property’s rear boundary and the topography, which was noted as a significant factor in the original construction of the building. However, it was clarified that the board's consideration was strictly limited to the current application and not hypothetical scenarios regarding potential expansions or changes to the property.

As the meeting progressed, board members deliberated on the nature of the hardship claimed by the applicant. The chair emphasized the board's responsibility to determine whether an undue hardship existed that would justify deviating from the established zoning ordinance. The discussion highlighted that while the applicant faced challenges, the board found that these did not constitute a significant hardship as defined by the ordinance.

Board members expressed appreciation for the clarity provided by the witnesses and reiterated that their role was not to question the appropriateness of the zoning ordinance itself, which had been established in 2015. Instead, they focused on whether the applicant's situation was unique enough to warrant a variance.

Ultimately, the chair concluded that the hardships discussed were not sufficient to meet the criteria for granting a variance, as they stemmed from personal circumstances rather than conditions peculiar to the property. The board's deliberations underscored the importance of adhering to established zoning laws while balancing the needs of property owners.

The meeting concluded without a motion to grant the variance, reflecting the board's commitment to upholding the city's zoning regulations. Further actions or next steps were not detailed in the transcript, leaving the outcome of the applicant's request unresolved at this time.