Homeowner battles zoning hurdles for elderly mother’s addition

In a recent government meeting, discussions centered around a proposed addition to a residential property in the Woodmore community, highlighting the complexities of navigating local zoning regulations and homeowners association (HOA) guidelines.

The property owner presented plans for an accessory living quarters (ALQ) intended to accommodate their elderly mother, emphasizing the need for accessibility features, including a ramp. The proposed addition is situated on an irregularly shaped lot, which has led to confusion regarding the applicable setbacks. The owner noted that the county mandates a 40-foot front setback along St. Andrew's Drive, while the Woodmoor Improvement Association has its own set of recognized setbacks, established over a decade ago.

The owner explained that the project has undergone multiple revisions to comply with both the county and HOA requirements, which sometimes conflict. The HOA's guidelines are less restrictive in some areas, complicating the approval process. The owner is seeking to adjust the side setback from 15 feet to 20 feet to align with HOA standards, while still adhering to county regulations.

Concerns were raised by some meeting attendees regarding the potential impact of the addition on neighborhood aesthetics and drainage. The owner reassured the committee that the closest point of the new structure would remain over 40 feet from the pavement, with a significant uphill grade and numerous mature trees providing a natural buffer.

The discussion also touched on alternative locations for the addition, with the owner explaining that moving the addition to the existing deck area would require extensive renovations to the interior of the house, making it cost-prohibitive. The owner highlighted that the proposed design would not only enhance accessibility for their mother but would also maintain the neighborhood's visual appeal, as many nearby homes already utilize similar setbacks.

The meeting concluded with a call for further consideration of the proposal, as the owner expressed a commitment to ensuring that the addition would not disrupt the community's character or drainage systems. The outcome of this discussion will be pivotal in determining the future of the proposed living quarters and the ongoing relationship between the property owner and the Woodmore Improvement Association.