Board of Zoning Appeals approves variance to replace aging mobile home in Jefferson County

The Jefferson County Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance allowing Susan Lawrence to replace a more-than-40-year-old mobile home that she described as "falling apart, damaged." The board made the five findings required under its Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) and carried the motion by voice vote; the transcript does not record a roll-call tally or member names for the vote.

Lawrence told the board she wants to remove the existing unit and install a new one in the same location using the same septic tank and support pillars. "It's a little over 40-year-old mobile home that's falling apart, damaged," she said, describing interior rot and storm-related window and floor damage.

Board members noted the property contains two dwellings on a single parcel and said the existing unit is nonconforming. They discussed alternatives such as surveying the parcels to create a separate lot, but members characterized that option as likely impractical. A staff speaker and a representative from the health department said the applicant must secure health-department approval and pass an inspection of the septic lateral and tank before any new unit is placed, and that a building permit would also be required.

The board read the findings required for a variance — that approval would not injure public health, safety or welfare; would not substantially affect adjacent property values; arises from a condition peculiar to the property; that strict application would cause unnecessary hardship; and that approval would not interfere with the comprehensive plan — and members answered "true" to each item before voting to approve.

The motion to approve was made and seconded and carried by voice vote. The transcript records the chair asking "All in favor?" and members responding "Aye," but does not provide a numerical tally or list individual votes. Staff said it would send the written approvals to Lawrence.

The board also noted it will hold additional meetings in the near future, including consideration of an appeal concerning a data center; meeting dates and locations were not specified in the transcript.

The applicant must obtain health-department approval and a building permit before installing the replacement unit; the board's approval is limited to the land-use variance as described at the hearing.