The Planning and Land Development Regulation Commission on July 17 approved a variance allowing a 720-square-foot, one-story accessory dwelling unit to be built forward of the rearmost point of the existing home on a corner lot, subject to three staff conditions.

Staff Planner Kelly Tucker told the commission the applicants requested the variance “to place a 720 square foot 1 story accessory dwelling unit in the front of the rearmost point of the principal structure.” Tucker said the parcel complies with the minimum lot size of 77,500 square feet and has 19% lot coverage, below the 35% maximum. She also noted the proposed ADU would face West Church Street, like the principal structure, and that because the parcel is a corner lot it can have a second driveway administratively under section 72 2 77 d 2 gs.

Tucker said environmental permitting did not object but staff recommended denial because the request failed to meet three of the five variance criteria. The applicant, Kayla Troy, told the commission the ADU is “going to be the grandparents moving in because the husband is a veteran, and he's very sick,” and said the unit would be designed to match the house and would come “10 feet closer to the front than what your code already allows,” while still being about 20 feet past the front of the primary residence.

Commission discussion referenced the corner-lot access and the county code change that allows ADUs on acreage to be sited anywhere; Scott Ashley, zoning manager, said the site did not meet the over-an-acre exception. Member Shelley moved approval subject to the three staff conditions; Member Sixma seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

The commission’s action reverses staff’s recommendation; the approval is limited to the ADU as shown on the site plan and carries the three conditions listed in the staff report.

For now, the commission’s decision is a recommendation to the county council for rezoning-related items; for special exception and zoning appeals the county council will consider the record and may hear new evidence as allowed by ordinance. The applicant and staff will be responsible for complying with the Land Development Code and the environmental permitting requirements noted in the staff report.