The Sunrise Manor Town Advisory Board voted Aug. 14 to grant a waiver permitting an existing flying-trapeze accessory structure at 541 Surrey Drive to remain at its current height of about 34 feet, exceeding the Title 30 permitted 25-foot maximum. The board denied two related waivers for setback and separation of accessory structures after public concerns and the applicant’s offer to relocate storage containers.

Blair Aued, the property owner, described the apparatus as part of the family’s professional training. “We are professional acrobats... we have installed the flying trapeze on our property... Our intention is to use it for training and practice,” Aued said. Aued and partner Jordan Webb said they had taken steps to limit noise and operate safely and that the structure supports their professional development.

Neighbors offered mixed testimony. Supporters praised the family’s community contribution and safety practices. “They are so much more appropriate than some of the other things in the neighborhood,” one nearby resident said. Opponents said the rigging resembled a business operation, raised safety concerns because of its height and proximity to neighboring walls, and reported other site issues including an oil drum and several stored vehicles.

Planning staff said the trapeze’s height required a waiver under Title 30 and that other waiver requests stemmed from accessory storage boxes located within required setbacks. During the hearing, the applicant agreed to move the storage boxes away from the property line to meet setback rules and to work with county officials to dispose of an oil drum discovered on the property.

Commissioner discussion focused on balancing zoning enforcement against the applicant’s explanation that the trapeze functions as private training for professionals and that the structure was already in place. The board’s adopted motion approved the waiver for the trapeze height (waiver 1) and denied waivers 2 and 3 on the condition that the storage containers be relocated to satisfy setbacks and that the applicant address the leaking oil drum.

Planning staff noted the advisory recommendation will advance to the planning commission on Sept. 2, where it may be subject to final action. The board urged neighbors and the applicant to coordinate with county public-works and building staff on any required mitigation.