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Board approves wainscot exemption for Oak Ridge accessory building with landscaping, driveway conditions
Summary
The Planning and Zoning Board approved a variance allowing an accessory structure larger than 300 square feet at 530 Oak Ridge Way to omit a 36-inch masonry wainscot, adding two conditions: landscaping/privacy screening and a hard-surface driveway that does not encroach on a 7.5-foot easement.
The Planning and Zoning Board on May 12 approved a variance allowing an accessory structure over 300 square feet at 530 Oak Ridge Way to be built without the 36-inch masonry wainscot required by the Unified Development Ordinance, subject to two conditions.
The decision matters because the masonry requirement is an aesthetic standard in the Unified Development Ordinance; the board approved the exception after staff recommended conditions intended to meet the ordinance’s visual intent.
David Norris, petitioner for 530 Oak Ridge Way, told the board he was “asking permission to do away with the 36 inch on a accessory building.” Planning staff said they were “favorable of this request” but recommended two conditions: landscaping or a privacy fence to screen the south side and a hard-surface driveway so vehicles moving to and from the structure do not infringe the 7.5-foot easement along the south property line. Chairman (presiding officer) read the staff report and noted the proposed conditions were in the staff memorandum.
Board member Mr. King moved to approve the variance with the two staff conditions; the motion was seconded by Mr. Mulch and carried 5-0. The board also directed the corporation counsel’s office to draft findings of fact incorporating the staff report and the evidence submitted into the record as the board’s final decision.
The action was limited to the specific requests in BCA 20 25-015 and included the two conditions described; no other changes to the Unified Development Ordinance were adopted by this vote. Planning staff invited interested parties to attend a later Planning Commission session about proposed ordinance text changes that include masonry-wainscot provisions.
