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Board approves critical‑area buffer variance and special exception for replacement residence at Sawgrass Point Road
Summary
The board approved a variance reducing the Atlantic Coastal Bays buffer from 100 feet to 25 feet (encroachment of 75 feet) and granted the special exception to replace an existing residence, subject to mitigation and a 3:1 mitigation ratio for permanent disturbance to the buffer as required by staff and the Critical Area Commission.
The Worcester County Board of Zoning Appeals on July 9 approved a variance to reduce the Atlantic Coastal Bays critical‑area buffer from 100 feet to 25 feet for the replacement of a residence at 11923 Sawgrass Point Road, and granted the required special exception for a replacement dwelling in the Resource Protection district.
Applicant representatives and an expert land surveyor told the board the property was developed prior to adoption of the county critical‑area program and that a replacement residence would reduce overall site disturbance. Staff and the surveyor reviewed the five variance standards and concluded a hardship exists under the critical‑area rules. Staff and the state Critical Area Commission (via written comments from Catherine Hayden) required mitigation: a 3:1 ratio for permanent disturbance to the 100‑foot buffer and a 1:1 ratio for canopy removed.
The board discussed mitigation, erosion and sediment controls for larger disturbances, and the proposed connection to Lighthouse Sound wastewater rather than a septic system. Staff said mitigation, stormwater, and erosion controls would be conditions of approval where applicable.
After consideration, the board moved to approve the variance and special exception, finding the application met the applicable standards and that mitigation measures and conditions would offset buffer impacts.
