Board approves 20-foot side setback for Sullivan parcel in Damascus variance hearing

The board approved a variance allowing a 20-foot side setback for a 1.53-acre parcel owned by Bonnie and Matthew Sullivan near 23660 Taylor Valley Road in Damascus. The request, brought by builder Daniel Swanson on behalf of the Sullivans, sought to reduce the Highlands Recreation zoning district’s 100-foot setback requirement on one side of the property so a house and driveway could be located on a parcel that is roughly 100 feet wide.

Daniel Swanson, who identified himself as a residential building contractor and Virginia-licensed professional engineer, told the board that a recorded 20-foot right-of-way along the left edge of the parcel and the 100-foot setback requirement would make the lot “basically unbuildable.” He said survey work showed the constraints and that the applicants were requesting a reduced side setback “as little as 20–25 feet” so they could place a house and driveway. “Since it's in the Highlands Recreation District, we learned quickly that we needed a 100 foot setback from the, from the Taylor Valley Road right away,” Swanson said.

Owner Matt Sullivan gave family context for the request, saying the property has been in the family for decades and the couple’s intent is to build a home there for their children and grandchildren. An adjacent landowner, Jeff Sullins, who owns property directly behind the Sullivan parcel and the right-of-way in question, told the board he supported the Sullivans’ plans. “I'm good with letting them build a house there,” Sullins said, and described the creek that divides the right-of-way and said the house could be sited without infringing on his access.

Board members asked for a precise setback amount to be recorded if the variance were approved; the applicant said 20 feet would be ideal, and 25 feet the likely minimum. A board member moved to approve the variance as shown in the packet (page 12), specifying a 20-foot side setback; the motion was seconded and the board approved it by voice vote. The transcript records no opposing votes; exact vote counts were not provided in the record.