The Board of Zoning Adjustments voted unanimously in favor of a variance for a septic system on Cargill Drive and a setback variance on Sunset Drive and then accepted board member Harry Newby's resignation during its Dec. 19 meeting.
The first variance was to change front and rear setbacks to allow for a septic system on Cargill Drive. The applicant, John Moore, said the three-person house he's attempting to build is of typical size for the neighborhood, but this variance is required because of the shape of the lot.
"We couldn't make it fit because of the shape of the lot, it's kind of a bowl shape," he said.
He looked at other layouts, he said, and this would be the best option. One other possibility, he said, was moving the house forward five feet, which would also require a variance but would allow for the septic field, though it would also leave him with almost no driveway. Another option, he said, would be awkwardly-shaped to fit, but would also make access difficult for maintenance workers.
The variance he requested would change the setback to six inches, but would not see his septic field crossing the property line. Additionally, he said, the property on the other side of the line is POA common property.
Newby said he believed the requested variance would be the best way to solve the issue. He said the difficulty with this project was not caused by the property owner's actions so much as it was by the shape of the property.
"It's created by the design of the lot more than anything," he said.
The board unanimously approved this variance before moving on to the next one, reducing setbacks on a Sunset Drive lot.
Dirk Thibodaux, representing Hull Dermatology, said the proposed construction project was based on older regulations. There were no complications with the design early on, he said.
"When this project started, the architect met with the planning staff and looked at the code and came up with this design.," he said. "At some point ... you've changed your setback rules."
The planned structure, he said, fit into the required setbacks that were in place when the planning was started, but new rules have rendered the lot "unbuildable."
He said he's asking for the minimum setbacks needed to fit the building on the lot. The building will be built into the hillside and accessed via Sunset Drive.
"By no means are we scrapping your rules and regulations," Thibodaux said.
The board agreed with this assessment and voted unanimously to grant the variance.
"Good luck building," said chairman Robert Walker.
Before the meeting could adjourn, board member Harry Newby explained that he would be resigning.
"On Sept. 7, I was diagnosed with Mesothelioma cancer," Newby explained.
He was withdrawing from things like this board, he said, to focus on treatment and getting things squared away for his family.
"No use crying, I ain't got time," Newby told the board. "I'm sorry I can't continue."
Walker said he respected Newby's attitude and fully understood.
"Your treatment and taking care of your wife is certainly more important than serving on this board," Walker said. "We wish you the very, very best."
General News on 12/27/2017