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Board of Zoning Appeals approves variance for narrow Maddox Avenue corner lot
Summary
The Board of Zoning Appeals voted to grant a variance allowing reduced side setbacks for a proposed single-family dwelling on a narrow corner lot on Maddox Avenue, approving staff recommendations after a presentation and finding no public opposition. The decision carries a 30-day appeal period.
The Board of Zoning Appeals voted to grant a variance for case 2603-VD-01, allowing reduced side setbacks for a proposed single‑family dwelling on a narrow corner lot on Maddox Avenue in Colonial Beach. Staff recommended approval based on the lot’s nonconforming status and site constraints, and the board approved the recommendation by voice vote.
A staff member explained that the subdivision was created in 1965 and therefore predates the jurisdiction’s 2006 zoning ordinance; the lot is nonconforming with less than 80 feet of street frontage and is a corner lot. "Because it is a nonconforming lot, staff has the ability to reduce the side setbacks to 5 feet each," the staff member said, noting that front setbacks were effectively 35 feet along both street-facing sides and that the resulting buildable area would be limited.
The applicant, speaking as a resident, said the lot had been purchased recently and that they had followed the required variance process: "I think she already explained everything... we bought this lot... we had to come to the board and apply for this," the applicant said. Staff also showed 3‑D renderings and photographs and noted a prior variance approval for a similarly narrow lot on the same block.
The chair opened the public portion of the meeting; no speakers came forward in favor or opposition and no written correspondence was reported. A board member asked about utilities, and staff confirmed the parcel would be served by community water and public sewer, so a well or drain field would not be required.
A board member moved to approve the case with the staff recommendation; the motion was seconded and the board voted by voice. The chair announced the motion passed and reminded those present that a 30‑day appeal period applies to the decision.
Next steps: the approval stands subject to the 30‑day appeal window; staff and the applicant were instructed to follow up with any administrative steps required to obtain building permits.
