Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning Variance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Jefferson County BZA denies rear-yard setback variance for Cedar Hill property
Summary
The Jefferson County Board of Zoning Adjustment denied a request to reduce a required 50-foot rear-yard setback to 30 feet for a detached accessory structure at 7233 Country Life Acres in Cedar Hill after staff recommended denial and the applicant did not appear to present hardship evidence.
At its meeting, the Jefferson County Board of Zoning Adjustment denied a petition (ZB250001) seeking to reduce the required 50-foot rear-yard setback to 30 feet for a detached accessory structure at 7233 Country Life Acres in Cedar Hill.
County staff described the request, noting the subject lot is about 0.41 acres and developed with a single-family home. Staff said the Unified Development Order requires a 50-foot rear-yard setback for accessory structures in the R-40 zone and that the lot size falls well below the roughly 1-acre minimum typical for the R-40 district. "Based on that, staff recommends denial of the request, for relief from the 50 foot rear yard setback to be reduced to 30 feet," county staff told the board.
Board members asked whether the proposed building was a garage or a smaller accessory structure and reviewed zoning and topography maps and site photos. A board member observed the application lacked a stated hardship and criticized the applicant’s absence: "Why should I grant any variance to someone that doesn't take me seriously?" That board member moved to deny the request; another member seconded. The motion carried on a voice vote, and the board denied the variance.
After the vote, the board discussed options if the petitioner returns: staff said an identical application would have to wait one year before refiling, but a materially different proposal (for example, moving the structure or changing its orientation or setback request) would be analyzed as a new, different application. Staff also described the notification process and said it is rare that applicants do not respond to hearing notices.
The board then approved execution of two prior BZA orders from the last meeting, received scheduling details for the December meeting, and adjourned. The transcript does not specify the meeting date.
Votes at a glance - ZB250001 (variance to reduce 50-foot rear-yard setback to 30 feet): motion to deny carried on a voice vote; outcome — variance denied. - Execution of prior BZA orders: approved by voice vote.
What this means The denial leaves the property owner the option to revise the proposal (for example, change size or orientation) and submit a materially different application for earlier consideration, or to wait the one-year period required for identical repeat filings under the board’s standard practice as stated by staff.
Next steps The transcript indicates no applicant presentation occurred at this meeting; if the petitioner (identified in the record as Kevin Jones) returns with modified plans or additional information, staff will analyze the new proposal and place it on a future agenda.
