BZA grants variances for A/C and generator at newly built 501 Huntmere, debates hardship

The Board of Zoning Appeals approved variances on April 16 allowing mechanical equipment to be placed closer to the side property line than the zoning code permits for a newly constructed home at 501 Huntmere.

Applicant Elizabeth White sought a 4‑foot variance to place an A/C condenser 6 inches from the property line and a separate 4‑foot variance for a generator 6 feet from the line. White said the house design, operable windows on the rear, and the mechanics room location drove the equipment placement; she also said the neighbor on the south side raised no objection and that they plan to install evergreen screening. "The main hardship is the operable windows on the rear side," White told the board.

Board members discussed pad size and whether permeable material should be used. Building Director Eric Tuck‑Macalla noted the pool pump will be on the same side as the air‑conditioner and generator and that pool equipment is not captured by the ordinance and therefore does not require a variance. Carolyn Young questioned whether the double lot size constituted a true hardship, saying that because the lot is larger than others on the street she was reluctant to accept hardship as presented. Dan Gess said the corner lot effectively creates two fronts, limiting placement options. The board voted to grant two variances, conditioned on year‑round decorative fencing or landscaping to screen the units; the motion passed 6‑0 (Gess, Bruno, Miller, Rhea, Young, Crawford).

The board advised the applicant to minimize concrete pads where feasible and consider two pads with a permeable area between them. The approvals apply only to the placements described in the application and the screening condition.