Amelia County board grants variance to allow reduced front setback for Amanda Corbett

The Amelia County Board of Zoning Appeals voted to grant a variance allowing applicant Amanda Corbett to reduce the required front-yard setback from 100 feet to 70 feet for parcel 39-94B on Route 711. Staff described the request and the property’s topography as the primary reason for the exception.

Austin, the staff presenter, told the board the property was acquired June 4 (year not specified) and that the owner seeks to place a double dwelling on the lot. He said the parcel previously contained a single dwelling that had been removed prior to 2018 and that the applicant has worked with the health department to find a location for a new septic system. "The use of a double dwelling is allowed in that zoning district," Austin said, while adding the front setback would otherwise prevent the proposed placement.

Janet Ashman, who presided over the meeting before relinquishing the chair, described the site’s history and topography and said similar properties in the area have setbacks of less than 100 feet. "It was obviously cut off as a house site long before this zoning ordinance existed," Ashman said, arguing the site is effectively grandfathered and that the variance would alleviate a hardship. No written objections from neighbors were reported in the record.

A board member made a motion to approve the variance and the motion was seconded. The board voted in favor and the exception was granted; the applicant thanked the board. The record does not include a roll-call vote by name; the motion was announced as approved by the members present.

The decision allows the applicant to place the proposed double dwelling closer to the front property line than the code’s 100-foot requirement. The board’s action was taken after staff confirmed the lot meets other county regulations and that a feasible septic and well location exists.