Board of Zoning Appeals approves front-setback variance for replacement home at 608 Narrows Beach Road

The Westmoreland County Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance to allow a replacement home to be built within the front setback at 608 Narrows Beach Road in Hague, the board announced at its meeting. The application was filed by property owner Richard McMurray along with Kemi and Cheryl Mangrum and was presented by agent Jeff Minner of Bayshore Design.

Unidentified zoning staff reviewed the five standards the board considers for a variance and told members the property has been in the family for some time and that several neighboring houses also sit within the 60-foot front setback or previously received similar variances. Staff said the Westmoreland County Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval on Sept. 22.

"This is very typical of the homes in Narrows Beach," Jeff Minner said, describing the plan to tear down the existing flood-prone house and rebuild an elevated structure with engineered flood openings on the ground level to provide covered auto parking. Minner said the house was moved slightly southeast on the lot to fit between resource protection areas and to conform with the neighborhood pattern.

Board members asked about utilities and site details. A board member questioned the location of a private well; staff and the agent confirmed the well is on the southwestern portion of the lot. When a board member raised concerns about a labeled "pump station," property owner Richard McMurry said, "That pump station... that's there was never a pump there. That's just our low point drain for winterizing the house, and then the line continues on to the well." Minner said elevating the first habitable floor is intended to allow the property to qualify for flood insurance.

No one spoke in person during the public comment period. The chair read several emailed letters of support into the record, including correspondence from Jennifer Parrish, Craig W. Dearing, Kathy Selznick and Chuck Tippett; staff said five letters of support had been received and would be added to the file. Staff also noted the correspondence referenced a Chesapeake Bay Act exception where applicable.

Board Member (Speaker 3) moved to approve "case number 2509DashBDash03 as presented with the staff recommendations," and Board Member (Speaker 4) seconded. The chair called for a voice vote; all present answered "aye" and the motion passed. The chair reminded the applicants that there is a 30-day appeal period for the board's decision and advised they consult county staff with any questions.

The board recorded the variance approval and the related staff recommendations; staff will file the project documentation and the five letters of support. No timetable for construction was specified in the proceedings.