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Commission continues garage setback variance at Williamsburg Drive to May 15; applicants advised to bring neighbors' support
Summary
A requested variance to reduce a rear-yard setback for a detached garage was continued to the May 15 PLDRC meeting after a 3–3 split; staff asked applicants to prepare more evidence, neighbor letters and photos.
The PLDRC voted on April 17 to continue a request to reduce a rear-yard setback from 20 feet to 15 feet for a proposed 1,320-square-foot detached garage on Williamsburg Drive.
Why it matters: The applicant says the reduced setback is needed to avoid a utility easement and preserve significant oak trees; commissioners raised concerns about lot coverage, impervious area and whether the request met the variance criteria.
At the hearing contractor Mike McDaniel and property owner provided testimony that moving the building to meet the 20-foot rear setback would require removing a large oak tree they wished to preserve. Staff recommended denial, noting the application failed to meet three of five variance criteria. The initial vote resulted in a 3–3 split. Rather than let the item fail on a tie, the commission unanimously agreed to a continuance to the PLDRC meeting on May 15, 2025, and suggested applicants bring neighbor support letters and additional photographs.
Next steps: The item will be re-noticed for May 15; staff advised the applicant to provide additional materials to address stormwater/impervious questions and visual impacts. If the commission cannot obtain a decisive vote, the applicant may appeal to county council.
