Four Oaks grants setback variance for modular home at 394 Heath Road after owner cites fire loss

The Four Oaks Board of Commissioners voted unanimously on Nov. 18 to grant a variance for setback requirements to allow a manufactured/modular home to be sited at 394 Heath Road in the town’s extraterritorial jurisdiction.

Owner Tawana Reddick told the board she has lived on the property 28 years and lost her previous home to a fire; she said a survey and site plan did not reflect the house’s final placement and that moving the structure would cost "approximately $70,000." Planning & Zoning Administrator Mike Cook said the submitted site plan showed a side setback of 10.8 feet and a front setback of 24.9 feet, while RA district requirements cited in the application were listed as 15x40 in the staff file.

Attorney Alan “Chip” Hewett administered the quasi‑judicial hearing and the required Chapter 160D four findings of fact were read into the record. Commissioners voted to approve each finding — unnecessary hardship, peculiar property conditions, that the hardship did not result from the applicant’s actions, and consistency with the ordinance’s spirit and public safety — by unanimous vote. Commissioner Mike Hines moved to accept the variance in its entirety; Commissioner Michael Bradley seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.

A Reginal Homes representative (Billy Ray Locklear) testified he is the firm’s general sales representative; the minutes note that the contractor who performs foundations was not present and the board briefly considered tabling the matter before proceeding. The variance approval permits the owner to continue toward foundation inspection and permitting subject to the town’s inspection and permitting process.