Zoning board approves side‑setback variance for converted agricultural building

The Bedford County Zoning Board of Appeals approved a side‑setback variance for a structure on Midland (applicant Pamela Stinson) after staff summarized the property's conversion history and neighbors stated no objection.

Staff said the building on the Midland property was constructed around 2018 as an agricultural structure approximately 12 feet from the side property line and was treated at the time as exempt from building permits. Following a serious medical event that required wheelchair accessibility, the owners converted that agricultural building into living quarters without first obtaining zoning or building permits. When the owners later sought permits for additional accessory structures, the zoning office found the converted dwelling was not lawfully compliant with residential setback standards and could not issue further permits without a variance.

Staff explained the subject structure sits about 110 feet from the nearest neighbor’s residence and that the standard side setback for residential buildings would be 25 feet; as a converted dwelling the structure now required a variance. Staff noted a letter from an adjoining neighbor indicating no objection. The board moved to approve the variance; the approval will allow staff to proceed with zoning review and for the applicant to apply for building permits and bring the structure into compliance.