BZA 06-15-21 Meeting Agenda1.Call to Order
2.Determination of a Quorum
3.Meeting Minutes
3.A.Minutes of April 20, 2021
4.Public Hearings
4.A.Variance #05-21 for Sonya May
Submitted by R. L. Hayes Enterprises, LLC for a 30-foot left yard variance to a required
100-foot left yard setback which will result in a 20-foot left yard setback and a 33-foot
right side yard variance to a required 50-foot right side yard setback which will result in
a 17-foot right side yard setback for a single-family dwelling. The property is located
1621 Brucetown Road, Clear Brook, and is identified with Property Identification
Number 34-A-15 in the Stonewall Magisterial District.
5.Other
AGENDA
BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
TUESDAY, JUNE 15, 2021
3:30 PM
THE BOARD ROOM
FREDERICK COUNTY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
WINCHESTER, VIRGINIA
BZA06-15-21MeetingMinutesApril20.pdf
BZA06-15-21VAR05-21.pdf
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Board of Zoning Appeals
Agenda Item Detail
Meeting Date: June 15, 2021
Agenda Section: Meeting Minutes
Title: Minutes of April 20, 2021
Attachments:
BZA06-15-21MeetingMinutesApril20.pdf
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1823 Frederick County Board of Zoning Appeals
MEETING MINUTES
OF THE
FREDERICK COUNTY BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
Held in the Board Room of the Frederick County Administration Building, 107 N. Kent Street,
Winchester, Virginia, on April 20, 2021.
PRESENT: Kevin Scott, Vice-Chairman, Shawnee District; Dudley Rinker, Back Creek
District; Dwight Shenk, Gainesboro District; John Cline, Stonewall District; and Ronald
Madagan, Member at Large.
ABSENT: Eric Lowman, Chairman, Red Bud District; and Reginald Shirley III, Opequon
District.
STAFF PRESENT: Mark Cheran, Zoning Administrator; and Pamala Deeter, BZA Secretary
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Vice-Chairman Scott at 3:30 p.m. and he determined there is
a quorum.
Vice-Chairman Scott led the Pledge of Allegiance.
On a motion made by Mr. Shenk and seconded by Mr. Cline, the minutes for the March 16, 2021
meeting were unanimously approved as presented.
Vice-Chairman Scott inquired if there are any applications for May, Mr. Cheran stated no, the
cutoff date is Friday, April 23, 2021.
PUBLIC HEARING
Vice-Chairman Scott read the request for Variance #01-21 for Randy S. Kelly, submitted for a
request for a 30-foot front yard variance to a required 60-foot front yard setback which will result
in a 30-foot front yard setback and a 24-foot left and right side yard variance to a required 50-foot
side yard setback which will result in 26-foot left and right side yard setback for a single family
dwelling. The property is located at High View Manor Subdivision, on Meadow Way in
Winchester and is identified with Property Identification Number 60A-2B-A-32 in the Back Creek
Magisterial District.
Mr. Cheran came forward to present the variance. The property is in the Rural Area (RA) Zoning
District and the land use is vacant. The adjoining properties are RA and also vacant in land use.
Staff presented a location map and a proposed plat of the final house location. Staff mentioned the
reason for the request is the property cannot meet the current setbacks due to the size of the
property and location of the dwelling.
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1824 Frederick County Board of Zoning Appeals
Mr. Cheran noted that in 1962 the High View Manor Subdivision was created, and no building
restrictions were assigned at that time. The parcel is located within the subdivision so that
Applicant would need to follow the current RA setbacks.
Staff stated the historical maps of this property as being A-1 (Agricultural Limited) in 1967. At
the adoption of the Zoning Ordinance the setback were 35-feet for the front, 15-feet for the side
yards and 50-feet for the rear yard. The Ordinance was amended again in 1989 to change the A-1
Zoning District to RA Zoning District. Mr. Cheran noted that in February 28, 2007 that the Board
of Supervisor changed the setback for the RA Zoning District to 60-feet for the front, 50-feet to
the rear and 50-feet left and right-side yard. Mr. Cheran said this is the current setbacks for Mr.
Kelly parcel. Staff reiterated the setbacks that the Applicant is requesting.
Mr. Cheran concluded by reading The Code of Virginia 15.2-2309 (2) and the Code of Frederick
165-1001.2 that no variance shall be granted unless the application can meet the following
requirements.
1) The property interest for which the variance is being requested was acquired in good faith.
2) The granting of the variance will not be a substantial detriment to adjoining property or
nearby properties in the proximity of that geographical area.
3) The condition or situation of the property concerned is not of so general or recurring as to
make reasonably practicable the formulation of a general regulation to be adopted as an
amendment to the ordinance.
4) The granting of the variance does not result in a use that is otherwise permitted on such
property or a change in the zoning classification of the property.
5) The relief or remedy sought by the variance is not available through a special exception or the
process for medication of a zoning ordinance.
Mr. Cheran stated that Mr. Gary Oates is representing the Applicant Mr. Randy Kelly.
Mr. Oates stated the Applicant wasn’t here last month due to family emergency. The Applicant
was unable to attend again due to that family emergency.
Mr. Oates stated he surveyed the property and could answer questions if the Board had any. Mr.
Oates did mention that the reason for front setback is the drainfield. The drainfield is twice the
size of the dwelling.
Vice-Chairman ask is there anyone here wishing to speak for or against this variance. No one
came forward.
PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED
Discussion/Comments
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1825 Frederick County Board of Zoning Appeals
Mr. Madagan confirmed that the health department has approved well and septic system site.
Mr. Oates replied yes.
One a motion made by Mr. Rinker that Variance #01-21 for Randy Kelly be approved and was
seconded by Mr. Shenk. The vote was unanimous.
PUBLIC HEARING
Vice-Chairman Scott read Variance #03-21 for Variance #03-21 for Gene Fishel and Angela
Fishel, submitted for a request for an 8-foot rear yard variance to a required 15-foot rear yard setback
which will result in a 7-foot rear yard setback for a covered deck. The property is located at 144
Emperor Drive, Lake Frederick and is identified with Property Identification Number 87B-52-120 in
the Opequon Magisterial District.
Mr. Cheran came forward to present staff report. Staff showed maps, proposed drawings of
covered deck and plat. Mr. and Mrs. Fishel are seeking an 8-foot rear yard setback variance to a
required 15-foot rear yard setback resulting in a 7-foot rear setback. Mr. Cheran mentioned the
Applicant cannot meet current rear setback because the size of property and location of existing
dwelling.
Staff noted this property was created in 2018 as a single-family small lot. Adjacent property to
the rear property line is open space. In 2018 the building setback were 25-foot front, 5-foot sides
and 15-foot rear from property line. Mr. Cheran noted that uncovered decks is 5-foot from the
property line. Now the Applicant has an uncovered deck which is 7.1-foot from rear property line.
Staff stated that when covering or enclosing a porch this becomes part of the principal structure.
Then the Applicant would need to meet 15-foot rear setback. The dwelling is beside a road buffer.
In conclusion Mr. Cheran read the Code of Virginia 15.2-2309 (2) and the Code of Frederick 165-
1001.2 states that no variance shall be granted unless the application can meet the following
requirements:
1) The property interest for which the variance is being requested was acquired in good faith.
2) The granting of the variance will not be a substantial detriment to adjoining property or
nearby properties in the proximity of that geographical area.
3) The condition or situation of the property concerned is not of so general or recurring as to
make reasonably practicable the formulation of a general regulation to be adopted as an
amendment to the ordinance.
4) The granting of the variance does not result in a use that is otherwise permitted on such
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1826 Frederick County Board of Zoning Appeals
property or a change in the zoning classification of the property.
5) The relief or remedy sought by the variance is not available through a special exception or
the process for modification of a zoning ordinance.
This proposed variance appears to be consistent with the character of the District; and meets the
intent of The Code of Virginia 15.2309 (2) and the Code of Frederick County. This request from
current rear setbacks of the R5 (Residential Recreational Community) Zoning District may be
justified.
Vice-Chairman Scott ask the Applicant to come forward.
My name is Angela Fishel and my husband, and I reside at that address. I have a few comments
by enclosing the deck, this would add value to my property. Mr. Fishel has health issue and is not
able to be in the sun for long periods of time. Mrs. Fishel stated that Staff is working with her to
resolve this issue.
Vice-Chairman ask is there anyone here wishing to speak for or against this variance. No one
came forward.
CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING
Discussion/Comments
Mr. Madagan commented he visited the site and the back of the property backs up to a road. No
one would see this covered deck. He also mentioned another house has a covered deck so this
would be consistent with the neighborhood.
One a motion made by Mr. Madigan that Variance #03-21 for Gene and Angela Fishel be
approved and was seconded by Mr. Rinker. The vote was unanimous.
PUBLIC HEARING
Vice-Chairman read Variance Request #04-21 of Old Virginia Land, submitted by Rocky Yost, for
a 29-foot left side yard variance to a required 50-foot left side yard setback which will result in a 21-
foot left side yard setback, and a 29-foot right side yard variance to a required 50-foot right side yard
setback which will result in a 21-foot right side yard setback, for a single-family dwelling. This
property is located in Shawneeland (Lot 57) on Chrysanthemum Trail and is identified with Property
Identification Number 69A-1-30-57 in the Back Creek Magisterial District.
Mr. Cheran came forward to present an overview of the staff report. Staff presented zoning and a
location maps and a proposed plat. Staff reiterated the request of the setbacks. Mr. Cheran stated that
this property cannot meet today (Rural Areas) RA District setbacks due to the parcel size.
Mr. Cheran gave history that in 1967 Frederick County adopted zoning. The historical maps in 1967
show this property as A-2 (Agricultural General). When the zoning ordinance was adopted the
setbacks were 35-feet front and 15-feet for sides. Staff continued by saying in 1989 ordinance was
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1827 Frederick County Board of Zoning Appeals
amended changing the A-2 Zoning District to RA (Rural Areas) District. Again, the ordinance was
amended by the Board of Supervisors on February 28, 2007, changing to the current setback which is
60-feet for the front, 100-feet for the rear, and 50-feet for the left and right-side yard. Staff mentioned
that this is a recorded plat with no setback so they would follow the current setback for the RA District.
The Applicant is unable to meet the current setback so he is requesting a variance.
Staff concluded by reading The Code of Virginia 15.2-2309 (2) and Code of Frederick 165-1001.2,
states that no variance shall be granted unless the application can meet the following requirements:
1) The property interest for which the variance is being requested was acquired in good faith.
2) The granting of the variance will not be a substantial detriment to adjoining property or
nearby properties in the proximity of that geographical area.
3) The condition or situation of the property concerned is not of so general or recurring as to
make reasonably practicable the formulation of a general regulation to be adopted as an
amendment to the ordinance.
4) The granting of the variance does not result in a use that is otherwise permitted on such
property or a change in the zoning classification of the property.
5) The relief or remedy sought by the variance is not available through a special exception or the
process for modification of a zoning ordinance.
Mr. Cheran stated for the record we have three letters in opposition. The letters are placed at your set.
Mr. Rinker ask Staff if the property behind this lot is vacant? Mr. Cheran replied yes. Mr. Rinker
inquired could someone build on it. Mr. Cheran said yes, but I not sure how the landowner would
access the property.
Vice-Chairman Scott noted there are a few letters in opposition of this variance. If anyone should
want to review or need a copy just see Mr. Cheran.
Vice-Chairman Scott ask the Applicant to come forward.
The Applicant Mr. Rocky Yost came forward. Mr. Yost commented that he has had the property
for a long time because of the size and also the changing of the ordinance setbacks I am unable to
build. I am requesting a variance so I could build.
Mr. Rinker questioned the adjoining properties on each side are they developed. Mr. Yost replied
no.
Mr. Yost mentioned that the property behind his, the landowners has purchased several tracts then
consolidated to one which makes a large lot. There is a house on this parcel.
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1828 Frederick County Board of Zoning Appeals
Vice-Chairman clarified that the Applicant has well and septic permits. Mr. Yost said yes.
Mr. Shenk inquired if this was going to be a spec home. Mr. Yost answered yes.
Mr. Rinker mentioned that this is a private road and would be in best interest to help maintain the
road.
Vice-Chairman ask is there anyone here wishing to speak for or against this variance.
Ms. Teri Bartnicki came forward to speak in opposition to this request. She has a petition signed
by the residence opposing this variance. Ms. Bartnicki has spoken to health department, soil
scientist, civil design engineer and my Board member Mr. Graber to gather my information.
Ms. Bartnicki gave background information on the community of Enon Springs. Are community
being on North Mountain which is wooded and has rocky terrain. We have eight full time
residence and an elderly couple has temporarily moved back to their other home. One person
abandoned his property years ago. Originally this property was for recreation weekend campers
on quarter acre lots.
Ms. Bartnicki concerns are for drainfield saturation, well pollutants, quality of life, road
maintenance and decrease value of my property. When Ms. Bartnicki purchased her property, the
realtor told her she would need to purchase two lots in order to put a well and septic. Ms. Bartnicki
thinks that the property owner needs to purchase more than one lot so the occupant will have the
proper setback for the dwelling and the well and septic.
Mr. Tim Sparrow of 701 Capon Springs Trail, came forward to oppose the variance. Mr. Sparrow
concerns are well & septic, investment purposes and road maintenance. There are approximately
200 lots that are not built on and if each property owner comes to get a variance this will be an
overlapping of well and septic system.
Mr. Shenk ask Mr. Sparrow what the square footage of your dwelling is. Mr. Sparrow said 1,400
sq. ft.
Mr. Shenk commented that the Applicant is building a 1,740 sq. ft. home and how could that
decrease the value of your home.
Mr. Cline inquired if Mr. Sparrow purchase one lot or two. Mr. Sparrow replied, I own one lot
with 6.6 acres.
Closed Public Hearing
Discussion/Information
Mr. Rinker inquired when the Health Department issues a permit, do they look just at that one
parcel or do they consider the overall community lots. Mr. Cheran said they just look at that
individual lot.
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1829 Frederick County Board of Zoning Appeals
Mr. Cheran summarized that the Applicant has a few options in regard to the property setbacks.
The Applicant today can pull a building permit but he would follow current setback for the RA
Zoning District or he could purchase surrounding property to make parcel larger and use the
current setbacks. The last options the Applicant can request a Variance before the Board because
his land is recorded in the courthouse without building setbacks.
Mr. Shenk clarified that the Applicant only has one lot. Yes, that is correct Mr. Cheran replied.
A comment was made by Mr. Rinker that Frederick County didn’t impose on the property owners
to buy two lots. Mr. Cheran stated no. Mr. Rinker said that was the realtor selling the property
but with the purchase of two lots, the property owner wouldn’t need to go through variance
processes.
A board member inquired, if the variance was turned down, the Applicant has the right to appeal
to the circuit court. Mr. Cheran said yes.
Mr. Madagan commented that his house sets close on both side in a subdivision for 49 years and
he doesn’t have well & septic issues. The Applicant’s acreage is almost a half of acre. If he gets
the right permits, he should be able to build. Mr. Madagan does believe that if a road maintenance
is agreed upon that would solve a lot of problems.
On a motion made by Mr. Rinker that Variance #04-21 be denied and could appeal to the circuit
court. No second motion made. Call for the vote 1deny 2 absent 4 approved. The motion fails.
On a new motion made by Mr. Shenk as submitted Variance #04-21 approved and seconded by
Mr. Madagan. Call for the vote Yes ( To Recommend Approval) 4 and 1 no 2 absent.
As there were no other items to be discussed, a motion made by Mr. Rinker to adjourn meeting
and seconded by Mr. Cline 4:45.
_________________________
Kevin Scott, Vice-Chairman
_________________________
Pamala Deeter, Secretary
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1830 Frederick County Board of Zoning Appeals
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Board of Zoning Appeals
Agenda Item Detail
Meeting Date: June 15, 2021
Agenda Section: Public Hearings
Title: Variance #05-21 for Sonya May
Attachments:
BZA06-15-21VAR05-21.pdf
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VARIANCE APPLICATION #05-21
SONYA MAY
Staff Report for the Board of Zoning Appeals
Prepared June 4, 2021
Staff Contact Mark R. Cheran Zoning Administrator
This report is prepared by the Frederick County Planning Staff to provide information to the
Board of Zoning Appeals to assist them in making a decision on this request. It may also be
useful to others interested in this zoning matter.
BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS HEARING DATE:
June 15, 2021
Public Hearing; Action Pending
LOCATION: The property is located at 1621 Brucetown Road, Clear Brook, Virginia.
MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT: Stonewall
PROPERTY ID NUMBER: 34-A-15
PROPERTY ZONING & USE: Zoned: RA (Rural Areas) District
Land Use: Residential
ADJOINING PROPERTY ZONING & USE:
North: RA (Rural Areas) Use: Residential
South: EM (Extractive Manufacturing) Use: Vacant
East: RA (Rural Areas) Use: Residential
West: EM (Extractive Manufacturing) Use: Vacant
VARIANCE REQUESTED: The Applicant is requesting an 80-foot left yard variance to a required
100-foot left yard setback which will result in a 20-foot left yard setback, and a 32.9-foot right side yard
variance to a required 50-foot right side yard setback which will result in a 17.1-foot right side yard
setback, for a single-family dwelling.
REASON FOR VARIANCE: The property is a narrow 1.020+/- acres in size and cannot meet the
current RA (Rural Areas) Zoning District setback requirements due to size of the property.
STAFF COMMENTS: This property of 1.020 +/- acres in size was created in 1967 and currently
zoned RA (Rural Areas). Frederick County adopted zoning in 1967. The Frederick County historical
zoning map shows this property was zoned A-2 (Agricultural General) in 1967. The property setback
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Variance #05-21 – Sonya May
Page 2
June 4, 2021
lines at the adoption of the zoning ordinance were 35-feet for the front, 15-feet for the side yards and
50-feet to the rear. Frederick County amended its Ordinance in 1989 to change the A-2 Zoning
District to the current RA (Rural Areas) Zoning District. The Frederick County Board of Supervisors
amended the setbacks for the RA Zoning District on February 28, 2007, making the current setbacks
for this property 60-feet to the front, 100-feet to the left side, and 50-feet to the rear and right sides.
This property does not have Building Restriction Lines (BRL) assigned to it and would need to meet
the current RA (Rural Areas) setbacks. The Applicant is requesting a variance of 80-feet on the left
side yard from the current 100-foot setback resulting in a 20-foot left side setback. A 32.9-foot right
side yard variance from the current 50-foot setback resulting in a 17.2-foot right side setback. This
variance, if granted, would allow the construction of a single-family dwelling.
STAFF CONCLUSIONS FOR THE JUNE 15, 2021, MEETING:
The Code of Virginia 15.2-2309 (2) and Code of Frederick 165-1001.2, states that no variance shall
be granted unless the application can meet the following requirements:
1) The property interest for which the variance is being requested was acquired in good faith.
2) The granting of the variance will not be a substantial detriment to adjoining property or
nearby properties in the proximity of that geographical area.
3) The condition or situation of the property concerned is not of so general or recurring as to
make reasonably practicable the formulation of a general regulation to be adopted as an
amendment to the ordinance.
4) The granting of the variance does not result in a use that is otherwise permitted on such
property or a change in the zoning classification of the property.
5) The relief or remedy sought by the variance is not available through a special exception or
the process for modification of a zoning ordinance.
This proposed variance appears to be consistent with the character of the District; and meets the
intent of The Code of Virginia and the Code of Frederick County. This request from current
setbacks of the RA (Rural Areas) Zoning District may be justified.
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34 A 15
1574BRUCETOWN RD 1590BRUCETOWN RD
1610BRUCETOWN RD
1633BRUCETOWN RD
1587BRUCETOWN RD
BR U C E T O W N R D
Application
Parcels
EM (Ex tractive Manufacturing District)µ
Frederick C ounty Planning & Development107 N Kent StWinchester, V A 22601540 - 665 - 5651Map Created: May 27, 2021
Clear Brook
BRUCETOWN RD
QUARRY LNSOJOURNER LNWELCOME HOME LN0 100 20050 Feet
VAR #05-21
VAR # 05 - 21: Sonya MayPIN: 34 - A - 15Left and Right Side Yard VarianceZoning Map
14
34 A 15
1574BRUCETOWN RD 1590BRUCETOWN RD
1610BRUCETOWN RD
1633BRUCETOWN RD
1587BRUCETOWN RD
BR U C E T O W N R D
Application
Parcels µ
Frederick C ounty Planning & Development107 N Kent StWinchester, V A 22601540 - 665 - 5651Map Created: May 27, 2021
Clear Brook
BRUCETOWN RD
QUARRY LNSOJOURNER LNWELCOME HOME LN0 100 20050 Feet
VAR #05-21
VAR # 05 - 21: Sonya MayPIN: 34 - A - 15Left and Right Side Yard VarianceLocation Map
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