Board of Zoning Appeals
Regular MeetingWilliamsburg, VA · May 2, 2023
Agenda
AGENDA
City of Williamsburg
Board of Zoning Appeals
Tuesday, May 2, 2023
A meeting of the Board of Zoning Appeals will be held Tuesday, May 2, 2023 in the Stryker Center,
412 N. Boundary Street commencing at 4:00 p.m.
Page
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
A. Approval of Electronic Participation of Allen Murphy
OPEN FORUM
PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. BZA#23-003: Request of Timothy David Denby for a special exception 2-9
from Section 21-896 of the Zoning Ordinance to enlarge an existing
nonconforming dwelling the same distance from the side property line as
the existing dwelling. The applicant proposes a side yard for the addition
of 5 feet from the adjacent property instead of the required 10 feet. The
property is located at 226 Virginia Ave, Williamsburg Tax Map Number
435-02-00-017, and is zoned, Single Family Dwelling District RS-2.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
Meeting Minutes - April 4, 2023 10 - 15
ADJOURNMENT
C ITY OF W ILLIAMSBURG
Planning and Codes Compliance Dep artment
TO: Board of Zoning Appeals
DATE: April 27, 2023
SUBJECT: BZA#23-003: Timothy David Denby
226 Virginia Ave. - Special Exception
This is a request of Request of Timothy David Denby for a special exception from
Section 21-896 of the Zoning Ordinance to enlarge an existing nonconforming dwelling
the same distance from the side property line as the existing dwelling. The applicant
proposes a side yard for the addition of 5 feet from the adjacent property instead of the
required 10 feet. The property is located at 226 Virginia Ave, Williamsburg Tax Map
Number 435-02-00-017, and is zoned, Single Family Dwelling District RS-2.
Section 21-167(2) side yard states the following:
a. Single-family detached dwellings: There shall be a side yard of not less than
ten feet.
Section 21-896 of the Zoning Ordinance provides for some relief to existing
buildings by including a special exception for their enlargement if the Board of
Zoning Appeals grants approval. Section 21-896 of the Zoning Ordinance states:
"The Board of Zoning Appeals may approve, as a special exception in
accordance with Section 21-97(f), the enlargement of an existing legally
nonconforming building that does not meet the yard regulations of the zoning
district in which it is located. The yards provided for the addition shall not be less
than the adjacent nonconforming yards."
The applicant states the following in their application:
• The applicant is renovating the home and is proposing an addition to the
side and rear of the existing non-conforming dwelling.
• The applicant has recently removed an attached garage that encroached
fully into the adjacent parcel. At this time, the adjacent property is also
owned by the applicant.
• The proposed addition will not encroach any further into the required side
yard than the existing footprint of the dwelling.
In reaching a decision on the authorization of a special exception, the Board of
Zoning appeals shall consider, where applicable, the following:
(a) Stated intent of the zoning district in which the property is located:
401 Lafayette Street, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185-3617 / (757) 220-6130 / fax (757) 259-3798 / planning@williamsburgva.gov
Page 2 of 15
BZA#23-003
Page 2
This area is zoned Single-Family Dwelling District RS-2. The
statement of intent for this district is as follows:
"This district is established as a single-family residential area with a
low population density. The regulations for this district are designed
to stabilize and protect the essential characteristics of the land and
to promote and encourage a suitable environment for family life. To
these ends, development is limited to a relatively low density and
permitted uses are limited basically to providing homes for the
residents. Certain additional uses that may be compatible with
single-family neighborhoods, such as churches, schools and day
care centers, may be allowed with the issuance of special permits”.
(b) Uses in the area immediately surrounding the property in question;
All adjacent lots are zoned Single-Family Dwelling District RS-2.
(c) Amount of traffic to be generated; N/A
(d) Number of people to be employed; and N/A
(e) Hardship that would result from the denial of the special exception.
MAJOR QUESTIONS BEFORE THE BOARD
Section 21-97(f)(2) states that a special exception shall not be approved by the
Board of Zoning Appeals unless it is found that:
(a) It is designated, constructed, and operated to adequately safeguard the
health, safety and welfare of the occupants of the adjoining and
surrounding property;
(b) It does not unreasonably impair an adequate supply of light and air to
adjacent property;
(c) It does not increase public danger from fire or otherwise unreasonably
restrict public safety;
(d) It does not impair the established property values in surrounding areas.
The Board may impose such conditions relating to the use provided for in the
authorized special exceptions for which a permit is granted as it deems
necessary in the public interest and may require a guarantee or bond to ensure
that the conditions imposed are being and will be continued to be complied with.
ANALYSIS
The West Williamsburg Heights subdivision was recorded in 1925 with a majority
of the lots having 50-foot lot widths. These properties are now zoned Single-
Family Dwelling District RS-2. In the RS-2 District, the minimum lot width is 80
feet and the required side yard setback is 10 feet. The lot width at 226 Virginia
Ave is 50 feet and the dwelling is located 5 feet from the side property line. The
property is currently non-conforming for the RS-2 District. The applicant notes
the proposed addition to the dwelling will be located no closer than the current
dwelling to the side property line.
Page 3 of 15
BZA#23-003
Page 3
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends any approval of the special exception request for BZA#23-003
be conditioned upon the proposed addition not encroaching any closer to the
property line than the existing dwelling as shown on the enclosed Plot Plan
prepared by Matthew Burton Architect LLC dated March 9, 2023.
Heather I Markle
Zoning Administrator
Page 4 of 15
BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS ?73"’C70b
BZA#Z’
WILLIAMSBURG PLANNING DEPARTMENT DATE %
I
‘
401 LAFAYETTE STREET - -
-
_ -. .1
WILLIAMSBURG, VIRGINIA 23185-3617
(757) 220-6130 FAX (757) 220-6130
OWNER(S): Timothy David Denby
ADDRESS: 1404 Braemar Creek, Williamsburg, VA 23188
PHONE/FAX NUMBER/E-
MA|L; (954) 559-9971
APPLICANT/REPRESENTATIVE: Benming Zhang’ Esq
ADDRESS:
4801 Courthouse Street, Suite 300, Williamsburg, Virginia 23188
PHONE/FAX NUMBERS/E—MAIL2
(757) 259-3822 / (888) 360-9092 / bzhang@kaufcan.com
LOCATION OF THE REQUEST: 226 Virginia Avenue
ATTACH PLAT OR DETAILED DRAWING OF PROPERTY SHOWING EXISTING STRUCTURES, PROPOSED
STRUCTURES, SET BACK LINES AND ENCROACHMENTS.
THE FOLLOWING REQUEST IS MADE TO THE BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS FOR:
[ ] AN APPEAL TO AN INTERPRETATION OF THE ZONING ORDINANCE, ZONING MAP, OR AN
APPEAL OF AN ADMINISTRATIVE DECISION.
Provide narrative statements describing the nature and purpose of the appeal and specifying the action
requested of the Board of Zoning Appeals.
[ ] A VARIANCE RELATING TO
Provide narrative statements demonstrating that the requested variance meets each of the following tests:
1. The property was acquired in good faith.
2. Narrowness, shallowness, topographic conditions, size of the property or shape of the property at the
time of the effective date of the Zoning Ordinance or use/development of the property immediately
adjacent creates a hardship.
3. The strict application of the terms of the ordinance would effectively prohibit or unreasonably restrict
the use of the property.
4. The above described hardship does not result from the actions of the owner(s).
5. The degree of variance requested is the minimum needed to remove the hardship. if not, why is more
needed?
6. Granting the variance would not adversely impact adjacent properties.
[x ] A SPECIAL EXCEPTION FOR Section 21-896 (enlargement of non-conforming building)
Provide narrative statements demonstrating that the requested special exception meets each of the
following requirements:
1. It is designed, constructed and operated to adequately safeguard the health, safety and welfare of the
occupants of the adjoining and surrounding property.
2. It does not unreasonably impair an adequate supply of light and air to adjacent property.
3. It does not increase public danger from fire or othen/vise unreasonably restrict public safety.
Page 5 of 15
4. It does not impair the established property values in surrounding areas.
Initials
BZA # 2 —Q?>’Q:)€>'
I/\Ne,respectfully request that a determination be made by the Board of Zoning Appeals for the above-noted request
which is true to the best of my/our knowledge and belief.
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ZONING: 03'}
DATE OF PUBLIC HEARING:
(SEE ATTACHED SHEET FOR PERSO
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DECISION:
THE DECISION OF THE BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS MAY BE APPEALED TO THE CIRCUIT COURT WITHIN 30 DAYS
AFTER THE FINAL DECISION OF THE BOARD.
ZONING ADMINISTRATOR DATE
March, 2007
[FORMS\BZA APPLICATION FORM]
Page 6 of 15
Kaufman&Cano|es,P.C.
Street
attorneys at law (3385'"h°”5e
Williamsburg, VA 23188
Mailing Address
Post Office Box 6000
Williamsburg, VA 23188
T (757) 259.3800
Benming Z0309 F (888) 360.9092
(757) 259.3822
bzhang@kaufcan.com kaufCAN.com
March 13, 2023
VIA HAND DELIVERY
Heather Markle, Zoning Administrator
City of Williamsburg, Virginia
Municipal Building
401 Lafayette Street
Williamsburg, Virginia 23185-3617
Re: My Client: Timothy Denby
Request for Special Exception
226 Virginia Avenue
Tax Map No. 435-02-00-017
Dear Heather:
On behalf of my client, Timothy Denby, I write to request that the City grant a special exception for the
above-referenced property on Virginia Avenue within the City limits. The parcel is located in the
Williamsburg West neighborhood and is zoned Single-Family Dwelling RS-2. My client purchased 226
Virginia Avenue together with the adjacent parcel (228 Virginia Avenue) on or around February 1, 2017
(Deed Instrument No. 170351), and he is looking fon/vard to settling in the residence as a long-term City
resident once renovations are completed. He desires to improve the existing single-family dwelling on
the property by requesting a special exception to extend the side yard by 5 feet to accommodate his
proposed side and rear 1~1/2 story addition along with an expanded front porch to the existing residence.
Analysis
The City should grant a special exception for the proposed side yard setback requirements for an existing
nonconforming lot because it meets the requirements under Section 21-896 of the City Code. At the time
of purchase, the residence at 226 Virginia Avenue was already an existing legally nonconforming
dwelling. The existing dwelling is located 28.5 feet from the front property line instead of the current 35-
foot front yard setback requirement, and a portion of the existing dwelling is located approximately 5 feet
from the side property line instead of the current 10-foot side yard setback requirement. in addition, the
residence at one point had an existing garage which encroached into the adjacent parcel. According to
the Zoning Ordinance, 10-foot side yard setbacks are required for the Single-Family Dwelling RS-2
zoning district. See City Code § 21-167(2). My client recently tore down the nonconforming garage which
cured the encroachment to the adjacent parcel at 228 Virginia Avenue.
Active\092984\0l83548\21293967.v2-3/10/23
Page 7 of 15
Heather Markle
March 13, 2023
Page 2
The special exception request meets the requirements under Section 21-896 because the dwelling at
226 Virginia Avenue remains legally nonconforming as of the date of this request. Furthermore, the
proposed 5-foot request provided for the addition is not less than the adjacent nonconforming yards. My
c|ient’s request is to simply extend the foundation of the home outward and front porch to meet the current
side building line. No further encroachment will occur.
Conclusion
In an effort to provide more space inside the residence and improve the aesthetics of the residence’s
exterior, we respectfully ask that the City grant a special exception for the side yard pursuant to Section
21-896 of the City Code.
We enclose a completed application and a $300.00 check to comply with the fees associated with a
special exception request.
Thank you for your kind consideration of this matter; please let me know if I may provide further
information in connection with this request.
Very truly yours,
go?es“ Benming Zhang
BZ:
Encl
Active\092984\O183548\2 l293967.v2-3/10/23
Page 8 of 15
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Page 9 of 15
MINUTES
City of Williamsburg
Board of Zoning Appeals
April 4, 2023
A meeting of the Board of Zoning Appeals was held on April 4, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. in the
Stryker Center, 412 N. Boundary Street.
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Morgan called the meeting to order.
ROLL CALL
The following members were present:
Chair Melinda Morgan, Vice-Chair Michael Jallo, Board Member Robert Lane, Allen
Murphy, and Lori Forcucci
Staff Attending:
Zoning Administrator Heather Markle and Planning Clerk Heather Moore
Chair Morgan reviewed the processes of the agenda and meeting order.
OPEN FORUM
Chair Morgan opened the floor to anyone who would like to speak on any matter not
on the agenda; seeing no one, the Open Forum was closed.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. BZA#23-002: Heber/326 Burns - Request of Menachem & Esther Heber for a
special exception per Section 21-605 of the Zoning Ordinance to allow the
rental of two bedrooms in an owner-occupied single-family detached dwelling
to four roomers. The property is located at 326 Burns Lane, Williamsburg Tax
Map Number 524-07-00-003 and is zoned Single Family Residential District
RS-1.
Zoning Administrator Heather Markle reviewed the case for the Board's review.
She read the Staff Recommendations for the Board and the analysis that
follows:
The previous owners of the property designed the home in 1980 with the
intention of renting out bedrooms to roomers. The rooms on the lower level were
rented to multiple roomers prior to the adoption of Sec.21-605 in 1991. The City
has no record of any complaints about noise, parking or additional traffic created
by the roomers at this property during the previous rental timeframe.
Page 10 of 15
Staff has received complaints regarding alleged violations to the Zoning
Ordinance for holding worship services at this property. Staff has not yet
determined if that is correct. Staff is working to determine if a Special Use Permit
is necessary.
Staff recommends that any approval by the BZA of a special exception request
for BZA#23-002 be contingent upon the following:
1. The permit is not transferable and will expire if ownership of the property
changes.
2. Repeated, founded complaints of excessive noise, litter, or other
violations of Chapter 12, the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code,
or the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code, as such are amended
from time to time, or other behaviors at the dwelling constituting a
nuisance under the City Code and Code of Virginia as amended from
time to time, shall be cause for the revocation of the special exception.
Complaints shall be deemed to be founded when after an investigation
by the police, fire marshal, building inspector, zoning administrator, or
other appropriate member of city staff, said member of staff determines
that it is more probable than not that the violation has occurred.
Ms. Markle noted that the special use permit concern is a separate case not
being reviewed today.
Ms. Forcucci inquired if renters have been continuous and when was the last
time it was rented? Ms. Markle stated that records show the previous owner
provided the last rental almost a decade ago.
The Board had no further questions for Staff.
Menachem Heber, homeowner, stated that his neighborhood welcoming was
canceled and viewed this as his welcoming and then introduced Ruth
Nathansen, as his legal representative. Ms. Nathansen reviewed how the
home was designed for rentals and noted the parking availability. She also
stated that other homes on the street are rented to solely students. Ms.
Nathansen pointed out that as a public street, there are no more vehicles than
what was initially intended. She stated that the Hebers pay taxes on the entire
home and property. She also noted that the size and structure are appropriate
for their request.
The Board had no questions for the applicant.
PUBLIC HEARING
Ruth Kaiser, 609 Richmond Rd, thanked the applicant for following the
procedures of requesting approval. She stated that the city has many homes
occupied by more than four students. Ms. Kaiser noted that she cannot give
Board of Zoning Appeals
April 4, 2023
Page 2 of 6
Page 11 of 15
support because the problem still exists. She feels the City needs teeth to
enforce how many people live in one house. She thinks that if a home is rented
to more than four students, the quality of life is negatively impacted and that
this is a problem. Ms. Kaiser emphasized preserving and protecting
neighborhoods and that something must be done before it is threatened. She
stated that there is too much traffic, noise, and trash, and those issues must be
dealt with.
Nancy Bolash, 327 Burns, stated that she lives directly across the street and
served on Neighborhood Balance Committee. She stated that the committee
focused on promoting and enhancing Williamsburg's unique community
character, and allowing boarding houses would undermine those goals. Ms.
Bolash stated that the house is one of Burns' largest and most expensive. She
feels that the applicant is looking for city-sanctioned approval to afford it. She
stated that granting this application would incentivize people to purchase the
largest homes with the most bedrooms and rent them out to afford the
mortgages. Ms. Bolash listed neighborhoods that she feels this would affect.
She reiterated that this would not protect or enhance the neighborhoods but
increase traffic, noise, wear, and tear.
Kerry Mellette, 708 Powell St, stated that they had been residents for 12
years, and they selected this neighborhood because of its proximity to the
downtown area. She stated that she wants neighbors to refrain from hosting a
business and feels it would chip away at the neighborhood's residential
character if allowed. She stated that if the special exception is approved, it will
affect our property values and open doors for additional requests. Ms. Mellette
stated that the neighborhood is already challenged by some renters that do not
care for the neighborhood. She stated that this differs from the comprehensive
plan or the neighborhood balance committee recommendations. She stated
that the zoning ordinance does not allow it for a reason and is inconsistent with
the single-family neighborhood character. Ms. Mellette noted that the applicant
is also holding worship services, collecting funds, and asking for this request.
She urged the Board to pay attention to the well-thought-out zoning
requirements and to reject the request.
Marcia Liebel, 322 Burns, stated that she has lived in the neighborhood for 18
years and is the most affected as the direct neighbor. She stated that the
applicant needed to meet the zoning ordinance requirements. Ms. Liebel stated
that the Board must consider the intent and use of the area immediately
surrounding the address and noted that there are no rooming houses in the
area. She noted that the last time it was rented was before the adoption of the
current ordinance. Ms. Liebel noted the additional uses the homeowners are
hosting and felt they purchased the home with full knowledge that this is a quiet
neighborhood on a dead-end street. She stated that traffic has increased since
the property has sold, and four more cars with roomers will cause additional
harm. She noted the effect this decision would have on the property values of
surrounding homes. Ms. Liebel noted the requirements for this request and
Board of Zoning Appeals
April 4, 2023
Page 3 of 6
Page 12 of 15
stated that with the regular events hosted by the applicant, they could not meet
those parking requirements. She also noted that no screening exists on the
property to cover the parking. She urged the Board to reject the application.
Kelly Shaw, 312 Burns Lane, stated that she has lived on Burns since 2016
and noted her opposition to granting the exception. She stated that allowing a
high-density home into the neighborhood would open the door for other
landlords to request exceptions. Ms. Shaw stated that the neighborhood has
fought to restore Burns to a single-family neighborhood.
Chris Garris, 325 Burns Lane, noted that he submitted a written statement and
will provide additional commentary. Mr. Garris provided his history with the
neighborhood. He stated beautiful and historic neighborhoods bring vibrancy to
the area. He noted that there is a continuous balance that needs to be
addressed. Mr. Garris stated that they do not have HOA and depend on the
City and the BZA to have predictable, transparent protection for our
neighborhood. He is concerned that approval for this request will further create
an imbalance. He noted that owners are allowed by right to rent to one renter,
and to make an exception to that, the applicant must have a really good
reason. He inquired what precedent this would set. Mr. Garris stated that
owning a home is a long-term investment, and the owners count on a steady,
predictable environment. He acknowledged the considerable time the
neighbors and staff have spent looking at this and noted that we will always
have to wrestle with this issue as a college town. He stated that approval would
not progress the goals, initiatives, and objectives and requested that the Board
not grant the special exception.
David Kranbuehl, 201 Harrison Ave, gave his history with Williamsburg, work,
and commitment to the neighborhoods. He stated that he appreciates the very
well-written and thought-out statements. Mr. Kranbuehl noted the history of
decisions, resolutions, and ordinances that banned making money off your
house and stated that this had been modified many times in the past 45 years.
He noted that careful thought was given to it, and a rooming house does not
belong in a neighborhood. He also noted that out of thoughtfulness, an
exception was written. Mr. Kranbuehl stated there was no reason for this
exception; except to make money on this house. He stated a financial basis is
not a reason to grant an exception. Mr. Kranbuehl gave examples of projects
currently going through the planning process for rental space. He stated that
what the applicant is trying to do is noble, and gave his approval, but noted that
the Burns neighborhood is not where it belongs.
Stewart Goddin, 715 Goodwin Street, stated he is a 23-year resident. He
stated that he shares the neighbors' concerns about approving the rental or
allowing boarding rooms. Mr. Goddin noted that the increase would cause
overflow parking on Burns Lane. He noted the road condition as narrow and
winding and, frankly, at night, can be dangerous. He stated that there is poor
lighting with no sidewalks. Mr. Goddin noted the increased number of rooms
Board of Zoning Appeals
April 4, 2023
Page 4 of 6
Page 13 of 15
would diminish property values. He feels that the hardship was self-inflicted
and should not be considered as it existed at the time of purchase. He noted
that special exceptions are exceptions, not rights. He asked that the BZA add
conditions for review if this is approved.
PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED
Ms. Nathansen acknowledged the neighbors for speaking and stated that the
concerns being raised are not significant to this case. She stated that
numerous people would not be packed into the house as it would be an owner-
occupied home. She stated that because it will be owner-occupied, the family
character of the neighborhood will not be impacted as a whole house rental.
Ms. Nathansen stated that the applicant would like to be able to provide
housing to students who need it. She stated that the applicant is not opposed
to a limit on the number of cars that can be on the property. Ms. Nathansen
stated that the boarding house terminology needs to be corrected, and the
renters will not be coming in and out on the weekends and staying for short
periods; it would be a long-term lease. Since the property is near the university,
it will likely be students. She stated that the applicant purchased the property to
raise a family and hopes all the rooms will be filled with his family, but until
then, they would like to offer the space to people that need it.
Ms. Nathansen stated that the current zoning ordinance does permit this, and
each requirement had been met for approval. She noted that the home had
always had six bedrooms with a separate entrance, and the neighbors knew
this when they moved in. She stated that the City allowed the build and
approved this before.
Ms. Nathansen stated that the renters living with the family want a quiet, stable
place. She noted that the homeowners should be able to use their home as
they see fit as long as it meets the requirements of the City. She noted that if
there are any violations, the owner knows that the special exception would be
revoked and will ensure that does not happen. This type of environment has
yet to be available to Jewish students at William & Mary.
Mr. Heber stated that having student renters in an owner-occupied home will
cut down on complaints that the City will receive. He also noted that he had
been misquoted in the comment letters and commentary. Mr. Heber noted that
he would like to utilize the spaces he has and pays taxes on. He noted the way
cars can be parked on the property and the amount of driveway he currently
has. He also pointed out that he has woods going through his entire property.
Staff noted that:
1) All Board members visited the site (Chair M. Morgan, Vice-Chair M. Jallo, A.
Murphy, L. Forcucci, R. Lane)
2) clarification on zoning ordinance: Sec. 216-19 deals with the increase in
residence occupancy for rental homes only and there is a moratorium on the 4-
Board of Zoning Appeals
April 4, 2023
Page 5 of 6
Page 14 of 15
person rentals; in this case: 21-605 pertains to owner-occupied rules for
rentals.
BOARD DISCUSSION
The Board did not have any additional questions.
Chair Morgan stated that the addition of four renters would affect the property
values. She also feels that approval of the special exception will change the
character of the neighborhood. Ms. Morgan also wants the Board to review the
application and the precedence it would set as a financial hardship being the
basis of the request and written in the application. She acknowledged the
clarification from the applicant on that fact.
Moved by Morgan, seconded by Lane, to deny BZA#23-002, the special
exception, per Sec. 21-605 of the zoning ordinance, which would not allow
the rental of 2 bedrooms of an owner-occupied single-family detached
dwelling.
Carried 5-0-0 by a roll call vote:
Ayes: Morgan, Jallo, Lane, Murphy, and Forcucci
Nays: None
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
Meeting Minutes for February 7, 2023
Moved by Murphy, seconded by Jallo, to approve as amended.
Carried 5-0-0 by a roll call vote:
Ayes: Morgan, Jallo, Lane, Murphy, and Forcucci
Nays: None
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Morgan adjourned the meeting at 5:03 p.m.
Melinda Morgan, Chair -- Board of Zoning Appeals
Board of Zoning Appeals
April 4, 2023
Page 6 of 6
Page 15 of 15
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