Board of Zoning Adjustment - 2026-03-05
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Orange County Board of Zoning Adjustment approved multiple variance requests on March 5, 2026, including accessory structure setback variances at 55807 Dogwood Drive (VA-26-01-081), a 100% opacity privacy fence on a vacant lot at 834 Wingo Street (VA-26-03-000), a covered lanai addition at 2850 Silver Ridge Drive (VA-26-03-002), a pool and equipment installation at a Stillwater Crossings residence (VA-26-03-005), and an ADU conversion at 3000 Alamo Drive (VA-26-03-009). The board also approved a special exception for a new mausoleum at an existing cemetery (SE-26-03-001). One case involving shed encroachments at 1826 Crescent Boulevard (VA-26-03-010) was deferred to June 4, 2026 pending additional information from the Environmental Protection Division.
Key Decisions (7)
Accessory Structure Variances at 55807 Dogwood Drive
Glenn Schofield received approval for four variances in the R-1-A zoning district: (1) new accessory structure with 6.9 ft side street setback instead of 15 ft, (2) existing carport with 11.5 ft front setback instead of 25 ft, (3) covered patio with 3.3 ft side setback instead of 7.5 ft, and (4) covered patio with 23.42 ft rear setback instead of 30 ft. Two existing unpermitted structures must be removed.
Shed Variances at 1826 Crescent Boulevard
Sonia Rodriguez's request for three variances for existing accessory structures (shed one with 23.3 ft normal high water elevation setback instead of 30 ft, shed one with 3.2 ft north side setback instead of 5 ft, and shed two with 1.5 ft north side setback instead of 5 ft) was deferred. EPD did not support the normal high water elevation encroachment. Applicant agreed to remove shed two.
Privacy Fence Variance at 834 Wingo Street
Steven Testagrosa received approval for a variance to allow a 6 ft tall 100% opaque privacy fence on a vacant lot in lieu of maximum 50% opacity. The proposal includes 4 ft aluminum picket fence in front and 6 ft white vinyl privacy fence on sides and rear.
Covered Lanai Setback Variance at 2850 Silver Ridge Drive
Joseph Escalante received approval for a variance to allow an existing partially constructed covered lanai addition with a rear setback of 19.8 ft instead of 25 ft in the R-2 zoning district. The structure encroaches 5.2 ft into the rear setback due to the irregularly shaped lot.
Pool and Equipment Variances at Stillwater Crossings
Don Sharp received approval for three variances for the Nieves family residence: (1) pool in side street yard instead of side or rear, (2) pool deck with 10.5 ft side street setback instead of 15 ft, and (3) pool equipment in side street yard. The pool is for aquatic therapy for an autistic child.
ADU Conversion Variance at 3000 Alamo Drive
Elizabeth Rehoe received approval to convert an existing two-story garage (built 1941) to an accessory dwelling unit with a side street setback of 6.3 ft instead of 30 ft. The structure predates current zoning code.
Mausoleum Special Exception at Cemetery
SCI Funeral Services received approval to construct a 1,114 square foot, 15 ft tall mausoleum building at an existing 92.72-acre cemetery on Harold Road. The cemetery has operated since 1962.
Development Activity (4)
Accessory Structure at 55807 Dogwood Drive
500 square foot accessory structure for storage, replacing two existing unpermitted structures. Property is 11,318 square feet with existing 1,748 square foot single family home.
ADU Conversion at 3000 Alamo Drive
Conversion of existing two-story garage (built 1941) to accessory dwelling unit with two bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom, and common space. External staircase addition proposed.
Pool Installation at Stillwater Crossings
Approximately 1,650 square foot pool and deck installation for therapeutic use. Existing screen enclosure to be demolished.
Mausoleum at Cemetery
1,114 square foot, 15.4 ft tall mausoleum building with associated access road and sidewalks. Cemetery has operated since 1962.
Market Signals (5)
Housing Demand
Multiple ADU and accessory structure variance requests indicate homeowner interest in maximizing residential property utility for storage, family needs, and potential rental income.
Housing Demand
Applicant at Dogwood Drive cited downsizing needs and desire to consolidate off-site storage, suggesting demand for flexible residential storage solutions.
Sentiment
Board expressed willingness to approve variances for structures predating current zoning code, recognizing grandfathered uses and avoiding unnecessary hardship on property owners.
Infrastructure
Environmental Protection Division is actively enforcing normal high water elevation setbacks along Lake Emerald shoreline, with multiple properties under scrutiny for encroachments.
Other
2024 code amendment restricting pools in side street yards is generating variance requests from corner lot owners seeking parity with neighbors who built prior to the change.