Florence Board of Zoning Appeals approves six variances, including cemetery maintenance yard and McQueen lot split

The Florence City Board of Zoning Appeals met at 6 p.m. and approved six variance requests after staff reports, applicant testimony and brief questioning.

City staff said the first approved request, BZA 2026‑01 at 1908 Damon Drive, sought relief from the NC‑15 30‑foot rear setback so the owner could convert an existing porch to a sunroom and build a new covered back porch. "So Dan Maxwell, who's also here in the audience, the owner, wants to build the addition on the back," said Michael Padgett of Padgett Engineering and Construction during his sworn testimony, explaining the corner‑lot orientation and an existing pool reduce buildable depth. Staff noted the proposed porch would reduce the rear setback from about 35 feet to roughly 18 feet and reported the nearest neighbor had emailed that she did not object. The board voted to grant the variance, citing hardship and minimal street impact.

At 1326 Hillside Avenue (BZA 2026‑02), staff described a topographically constrained lot that forces the pool house into what would technically be a side yard; the proposed 14‑foot structure would sit behind a block wall and masonry fence. "I'm Louie Hopkins with Hopkins Builders," Hopkins told the board, noting he lives in the neighborhood and serves as chair of its architectural review board and that he had spoken with neighbors about the plan. Commissioners approved the variance after finding the lot's…