Board unanimously grants variance for lot-width exceedance in South Cliff protected-ridge overlay

The Buncombe County Board of Adjustment unanimously approved a variance allowing a single-family home to exceed the Protected Ridge overlay’s lot-width standard on a lot in the South Cliff subdivision.

Wayland Schamberger, project architect, asked the board to grant an increase in the allowable building-width percentage for the lot because the lot’s triangular geometry and an existing rock outcrop make siting the house at the lot’s widest area impractical and would require significant additional excavation and tree removal.

Schamberger said the proposed dwelling sits in the most appropriate location to minimize site disturbance; the requested width results from the lot shape rather than an attempt to crowd neighboring homes. He noted the development pattern in the neighborhood pre-dates the county’s current protected-ridge and steep-slope standards, and he pointed to adjacent unsellable or difficult-to-develop lots that affect overall neighborhood buildout.

During deliberations the board found that strict application of the ordinance would cause unnecessary hardship, that the hardship is particular to this property, and that the request would preserve the ordinance’s spirit by reducing disturbance and preserving trees where possible. No conditions were placed on the variance.

The board’s motion to approve the variance passed unanimously (six votes in favor among the members present). The board’s written order records the findings required for a variance under Buncombe County rules and grants the requested relief for the single-family dwelling.