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BZA grants McWhorter karst setback with drainage review; ADU variance continued to July
Summary
The Monroe County BZA approved VAR-26-14B to allow a proposed garage within the karst conservancy setback with conditions requiring the drainage board—s review and that gutters/drainage discharge outside the 50-foot KCA; the related ADU variance was continued to July 8 at the petitioner—s request.
The Monroe County Board of Zoning Appeals on May 6 approved a karst conservancy-area setback variance for a proposed accessory structure at 1837 and 1845 East 2nd Sanders Avenue, imposing drainage-related conditions and scheduling follow-up review. The petitioner had also asked to continue a related accessory-dwelling-unit item.
Planning staff presented VAR-26-14B and explained that the proposed 1,600-square-foot structure would sit about five feet from a mapped karst feature, so a variance was required under the county development ordinance. Staff recommended denial on the grounds that the petitioner might be able to locate a garage outside of the Karst Conservancy Area (KCA). The presentation noted mapped karst features, steep slopes in Eco Area 2 and existing septic locations on adjacent parcels.
Petitioner Robert McWhorter Jr. argued that septic systems, utility easements, a propane tank and a power pole limited alternative locations on the lot and made relocation impracticable without moving utilities or other costly work. Board members questioned staff and petitioner about whether drainage could be controlled so the structure would not increase risk to the karst feature; the petitioner agreed to direct stormwater away from the karst and to discharge outside the 50-foot buffer.
After discussion the board approved VAR-26-14B by a 4 0vote with two conditions: first, that the county drainage board review the project (the staff packet noted a tentative drainage-board review date of May 19, 2026) and second, that gutters and any construction-related drainage be directed away from the karst conservancy area and discharged outside the 50-foot KCA buffer. Board members also stated the project should proceed only in accordance with any conditions the drainage board imposes.
Separately, the petitioner requested a continuance on VAR-26-14A (the ADU size-limit variance) to obtain a revised site plan and a land survey; the board granted that continuance to the July 8 meeting.
Next steps: the petitioner must present the project to the drainage board and secure any required approvals and comply with gutter/drainage conditions recorded by the BZA before proceeding.
