Clay County BOA approves 10-foot side-setback variance for Henley Road property

The Clay County Board of Adjustment on April 24 approved a variance allowing applicants Phillip and Yvonne Norman to reduce a side-yard setback from 20 feet to 10 feet for a home at 2794 Henley Road in Green Cove Springs. The board voted 5-0 to approve BOA application 25-0005.

Jenny Bridal, Clay County zoning chief, told the board the lot is roughly two acres, about 196 feet wide, and meets the definition of a lot of record. Because the Normans had not opted into the Lake Asbury Master Plan, Bridal said the property must meet the AR-1 zoning district standard of a 20-foot side setback; properties that participate in the Lake Asbury overlay would be subject to a 5-foot setback.

Bridal recommended approval despite concluding there was no strict hardship from the land itself. She said the parcel contains a 20-foot easement on the southern portion and that adjacent properties in the area reflect smaller setbacks under the master plan, and that staff’s recommendation considered those local conditions.

Applicant Phillip Norman told the board the requested addition is for a handicapped-accessible bathroom to serve aging parents. He said site constraints made the south side the only feasible location without substantial excavation or replacement of septic infrastructure, and that cost would make other options prohibitive. Norman said he had a signed letter from the immediate neighbor indicating no objection.

Board members moved and seconded a motion to approve the variance; the board recorded a 5-0 vote in favor. Chair (name not specified) called for the ayes and declared the motion passed.

No appeals, conditions, or follow-up reporting requirements were specified on the record. After the vote the board closed the public hearing and adjourned.