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Board grants variance to reduce rear setback for screened porch in Ponds development
Summary
The board approved a variance to allow a homeowner in the Ponds planned development to extend an existing enclosed porch about 5–6 feet into the rear setback (reducing setback to ~15 feet); staff had recommended denial but noted prior, similar approvals and HOA approval for the site.
The Dorchester County Board of Zoning Appeals voted to grant a variance allowing an attached enclosed porch to encroach approximately 5–6 feet into the required rear setback in the Ponds plan development, reducing the effective setback to about 15 feet on the lot in question.
Tim, the county zoning administrator, told the board the applicant was currently set back about 21 feet and proposed a 6-foot extension that would leave roughly 15 feet from the rear property line. Staff said prior similar cases (including a March 25, 2026 approval at 3990 Aspera Drive) and HOA affidavits influenced the board's view: "The required rear yard setback is 20 feet within the zoning criteria of the pond's plan development, and the applicant currently is set back 21 feet from the rear property line and is requesting to extend the existing enclosed porch out 6 feet, which should result in a setback of 15 feet." Board members noted no opposing testimony, HOA approval, and that the space behind the lot cannot be developed, and the motion to approve carried by voice vote.
