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Applicant wins variance to build two homes on Water Oak Drive despite staff concerns
Summary
The Augusta BZA approved a variance allowing Joseph Kadavos to reduce front-yard setbacks from 30 to 10 feet at 241 and 243 Water Oak Drive, after staff cited severe site slopes and the applicant warned meeting market and construction cost constraints.
The Board of Zoning Appeals voted to allow two front-yard setbacks to be reduced from 30 feet to 10 feet for vacant lots at 241 and 243 Water Oak Drive, approving petitioner Joseph Kadavos’s request to construct single-family homes.
Planning staff described the site’s steep topography and recommended approval with conditions. Ashley Katerton, the development services administrator, told the board that GIS records show site elevations vary nearly 30 feet and that locating homes at the 30-foot setback would be challenging.
Kadavos, who said these would be his first homes, told the board he relied on his builder’s assessment that meeting the required 30-foot setback would add “at least about $20,000 or more,” a cost he said would imperil the project in the current market. He also noted nearby houses along the loop already sit at roughly a 10-foot setback.
Board member Miss Williams moved to approve the variance with staff recommendations; Mr. Row seconded the motion. The chair called a show of hands; the motion passed with six votes in favor and one abstention. The board notified the petitioner that a letter confirming the decision will be mailed.
The decision allows construction to proceed under the 10-foot setback condition and preserves the board’s option to require follow-up compliance with building codes and any stormwater or grading permits required for the steeper lots.
