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Jefferson County BZA approves setback variance for proposed convenience store on Valley Road
Summary
The Jefferson County Board of Zoning Adjustment granted a variance to allow a convenience store to be built 25 feet from Valley Road instead of the 35-foot setback required by county zoning, citing required right-of-way dedication and steep topography.
The Jefferson County Board of Zoning Adjustment on a voice vote approved a variance to allow construction of a convenience store 25 feet from Valley Road, less than the 35-foot setback required under county zoning.
Staff described the parcel as a vacant 0.94-acre site in a C-1 zoning district and said required dedication of right-of-way along Valley Road would make meeting the 35-foot setback impractical. A staff presentation noted steep contours at the site and that Rosen Transportation reviewed the plan and “don’t see any problem” with the reduced setback. The board then opened a public hearing; Russell Ware of Capstone Engineering Group, the project engineer, said he represented the proposal and offered to answer questions. No members of the public spoke in opposition.
The board chair called for a motion to approve the case (A250025). A board member moved to approve; another seconded. The clerk called the vote by voice. The chair declared the variance granted.
Why it matters: The variance reduces the required buffer from a public road for a commercial building on a parcel that staff said must dedicate right-of-way, a factor the staff cited in recommending approval. The decision allows the applicant to proceed with permitting steps in Jefferson County.
Case details and conditions: Staff described the lot as 0.94 acres in an area with residences, an automotive repair shop and a mini-storage facility. Staff specifically cited the site’s steep slope and the right-of-way dedication along Valley Road as practical constraints preventing relocating the building to meet a 35-foot setback. Rosen Transportation reviewed the reduced setback and provided no objections, according to staff.
Next steps: The board’s action grants the variance; the applicant may pursue building permits and is subject to any county permitting and health/environmental reviews required for utilities or septic connections.
