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Lexington BZA approves reduced setbacks for Mount Org Church walkway and porch
Summary
The Town of Lexington Board of Zoning Appeals granted Variance No. 2020-4-9 to allow a reduced setback of 10–23 feet for a covered porch and connecting walkway at Mount Org Church, citing pre-existing site conditions and no objections from adjacent neighbors.
The Town of Lexington Board of Zoning Appeals voted to approve Variance No. 2020-4-9, allowing a 10-to-23-foot setback for a new covered porch and a covered walkway at Mount Org Church, 1205 Old Cherokee Road. The motion carried on a roll-call vote after board members cited the site’s pre-annexation construction and practical constraints.
Board Chair (unidentified) moved to approve the variance “to allow for a 10 to 23 foot setback for the new construction” and listed four statutory findings supporting the motion: the existing structures predate annexation and Lexington County setback rules; the site’s configuration is unique in the vicinity; compliance would require demolition of existing structures; and staff reported no objections from surrounding neighbors. A staff member seconded the motion and the board recorded three affirmative votes, after which the chair announced, “You have been granted your variance.”
Staff explained that the existing building is approximately 24.77 feet from the property line at its closest point and that the packet shows a proposed covered porch roughly 12 feet wide and a walkway of about 25.5 feet between structures. Mike Bray of HP Engineering, the project engineer, told the board the structures currently encroach on the setbacks and that the covered walkway and porch are intended to improve access and address ADA deficiencies for small events such as weddings and funerals.
Applicant representative Kevin Conley said the walkway will screen a courtyard from Old Cherokee Road, provide a safer route between buildings and create ADA access for event attendees. Staff told the board the property was posted and adjacent property owners were mailed notice; staff received one phone call in favor of the request. The board confirmed the site is not in a preservation corridor.
The board’s approval records the authorized setback range and does not change the permitted uses on the site. The chair closed the motion by reminding the applicant and attendees of the appeals process under state law.
Votes at a glance: Variance No. 2020-4-9 — Motion to approve allowed a 10–23 ft setback; outcome: approved by roll-call (three yes votes).
