032-12Action:
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS: December 12, 2012 n APPROVED ❑ DENIED
RESOLUTION
DIRECTING THE PLANNING COMMISSION TO HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING
REGARDING CHAPTER 165, ZONING
ARTICLE IV, AGRICULTURAL AND RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS
PART 401 RA RURAL AREAS DISTRICT
165 - 401.07 SETBACK REQUIREMENTS
WHEREAS, the Frederick County Planning Department has been directed to prepare
changes to Chapter 165 Zoning, concerning inclusion of a setback exemption for
accessory structures in the RA District if it is the first structure to be constructed on a
property.
WHEREAS, The Development Review and Regulations Committee (DRRC)
recommended approval of this amendment on April 4, 2012; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission discussed the draft ordinance on May 16, 2012
and recommended that a public hearing be held; and
WHEREAS, the Frederick County Board of Supervisors finds that in the public
necessity, convenience, general welfare, and good zoning practice, directs the Frederick
County ]Planning Commission hold a public hearing regarding an amendment to Chapter
165 concerning inclusion of a setback exemption for accessory structures in the RA
District if it is the first structure to be constructed on a property.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT REQUESTED by the Frederick County Board of
Supervisors that the Frederick County Planning Commission shall hold a public hearing
to consider changes to Chapter 165, Zoning, Article IV Agricultural and Residential
Districts, Part 401 RA Rural Areas District, 165-401-.07 Setback Requirements.
Passed this 12th day of December, 2012 by the following recorded vote:
This resolution was approved by the following recorded vote:
Richard C. Shickle, Chairman
Aye
Gary A. Lofton
: :Abse nt
Ross P. Spicer
A y e
Bill M. Ewing
Aye
Gene E. Fisher
Aye
Charles S. DeHaven, Jr.
Aye
Christopher E. Collins
Aye
A COPS' S
John ey, J
Frederick County Administrator
BQS Res. #032 -12
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A�g�g Department of Planning and Development
MEMORANDU �.,J FAX: 540/665 -6395
To: Frederick County Board of Supervisors
From: Candice E. Perkins, AICP, Senior Planner I,�'Nq
Subject: Discussion — Setback requirements for accessory structures in the RA (Rural
Areas) District
Date: December 3, 2012
Staff has received a request to include a setback exemption for accessory structures in the RA (Rural
Areas) District if it is the first structure to be constructed on a property. Typically, in the RA
District, the dwelling would be the primary structure and the accessory structure would have lesser
setbacks (15 feet on the side and rear) than the dwelling. However, under the current ordinance, if a
structure other than a dwelling is constructed on the property first, it would be considered the primary
structure and be subject to the primary setbacks (50 -100 feet on the side and rear).
This proposed amendment would allow the construction of one non - habitable accessory structure
with the lesser setbacks, prior to the construction of the principal structure. This accessory structure
could not contain any residential uses prior to the construction of the primary use (apartment, etc.),
and could not exceed 650 square feet in size.
This item was discussed by the DRRC at their February 2012 meeting and then emailed to the
Development Review and Regulations Committee (DRRC) on April 4, 2012. The DRRC endorsed
the changes and recommended it be sent to the Planning Commission for discussion. The Planning
Commission discussed this item at their May 16, 2012 meeting. The Commission agreed with the
proposed change and recommended that the amendment be forwarded to the Board of Supervisors
for review. This item was discussed by the Board of Supervisors on June 13, 2013. During the
discussion, it was stated that consideration should be given to adjoining properties which the
amendment could impact, that there was potential to abuse the exemption, and that the 500 square
foot limitation which was originally proposed should be increased. Ultimately at that meeting, the
Board of Supervisors felt that this item should not go forward for public hearing. This item was
brought back before the Board of Supervisors at a work session on November 14, 2012 and the
Board felt that the structure size should be increased and that the item should be scheduled for further
discussion.
The attached documents show the existing ordinance with the proposed changes. This item is
presented for discussion. Staff is seeking direction from the Board of Supervisors on this
Zoning Ordinance text amendment; attached is a resolution directing the item to public hearing
should the Board deem it appropriate.
Attachments: 1. Revised ordinance with additions shown in bold underlined italics and
strikethroug -h for deletions.
2. Resolution
CEP/bad
107 North Dent Street, Suite 202 ® Winchester, Virginia 22601 -5000
ATTACHMENT I
PC Discussed: 5/16 /2012
BOS Discussed: 6/13/2012
Work Session: 11/14/2012
Chapter 165 - Zoning
ARTICLE IV
AGRICULTURAL AND RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS
Part 401 — RA Rural Areas District
§ 165 - 401.07 Setback requirements.
The following setback requirements shall apply to all parcels within the RA Rural Areas Zoning
District.
D. Accessory uses. The minimum setback for any accessory use or structure shall be 15 feet
from any side or rear property line of a traditional five -acre lot or any side or rear property
line of a rural preservation lot.
1. One non - habitable accessorV structure that meets the minimum setbacks for an
accessory use may be located on a lot prior to the construction of a principal structure.
This accessory structure shall not be permitted to contain any residential uses rior to
the construction of the primary structure on the lot and shall be a maxiinum_o b5D
square feet in size.