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Board of Zoning Appeals approves front-setback variance for historic Purcellville home
Summary
The Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance allowing a small porch to encroach about 2 feet 2 inches into the front setback at 501 East G Street, citing the lot's unusual shape and the house's historic status; approval included conditions barring further encroachment and requiring all permits.
The Board of Zoning Appeals voted to approve a front-setback variance for the property at 501 East G Street (plan 25-10), allowing the existing porch to remain despite it placing the house inside the required 40-foot setback. A motion to approve ELAN-25-10 was moved and seconded and carried on a voice vote, with those present signifying "aye."
Staff explained the house already sat inside the setback following a recent subdivision and that the porch addition increased the encroachment by roughly 2 feet 2 inches. The board approved the variance with the condition that no additional structural encroachment occur beyond what was presented and that the applicant must comply with all required building and zoning permits. A staff member summarized technical measurements provided in the packet, noting recorded setbacks as small as 11 feet 6 inches and 13.8 feet and an earlier measured nonconforming setback of 28 feet 8 inches.
The board's action followed staff findings that strict application of the ordinance would create hardship, that the hardship was unique to the triangular lot and placement of the historic house, and that removal of the porch could risk damage to historic construction. The board noted a neighborhood map and historic-district designation in its review and recorded the decision as approved.
