HomeMy WebLinkAboutSE202000015 Correspondence 2020-10-13 (2)County of Albemarle
Community Development
401 McIntire Road
Charlottesville, VA 22902
10/6/2020
RE: Special Exception for a Modification to the 125' setback requirement for a Homestay
6950 Heards Mountain Road, Covesville, VA 22931
TMP 09600-00-00-014AO
To Whom it May Concern,
I am applying for a Special Exception for a Modification to the 125' setback requirement
to use my house in the Rural Area district, as a Homestay.
Setbacks:
The existing setbacks are 76' on the Northwest side, 108.7 on the Southwest side, and 94.9' on
the Southeast side. (See the attached plat which was prepared in 2008 at the time of
subdivision. Note that TMP numbers may have changed since this plat was prepared.)
Topography:
These (above) existing setbacks are a byproduct of the steep topography and existing orchard
road. The property is 5.807 acres and is unusual in shape because it follows the contours of an
existing internal orchard lane, which became the driveway for the house. The site and the
position of the house on the property were chosen because the remainder of this property and
most of my Dad's property, is too steep for development.
Neighbor:
My property has only one contiguous neighbor, my Dad; David G. Caughey. His property, TMP
09700-00-00-004DO (399.28 ac) (formerly TMP 96-14 owned by my Mother, Anne F. Caughey)
as shown on the attached plat from the time of subdivision), completely surrounds mine. He
also owns the next closest parcel, 97-306, which is directly on the other side of the road. He is
fully in favor of the operation of my house as a Homestay. (See the attached letter from him.)
These named (and other) contiguous parcels have been owned by my family on my mother's
side since 1953.
There are no other contiguous neighbors.
The next closest house, which is on parcel 97-30A across the road, is jointly owned by me, my
husband, my Dad and my Uncle, and is estimated to be over 600' away.
SUMMARY
We believe the Modification should be approved because:
• There is only one contiguous neighbor —my Dad who is fully in agreement of the use as
a Homestay. (See attached letter.)
• The area is VERY rural.
• The house is 260' from the road; Route 633 (Heards Mountain Road), at its closest
point.
• The house is approximately 600' from the closest house (which is owned by us) and
about double that to any other house in the vicinity.
• This, and all properties on the mountain, are completely wooded with mature trees.
The house is not visible from any other property, nor barely from the road, and then
only when the leaves have fallen.
Further:
• The steepness of the immediately surrounding property precludes any future
development, thus no future neighbors could be affected.
• The 125' required setback for Homestay certification was established recently, years
after the property was subdivided and the house built. Had it been established first, we
would have configured the property lines to comply. Reconfiguring the property lines,
at this point, would be costly, and would not impact compliance with the intent of the
Requirement.
• We have, and enforce, strict rental guidelines which preclude any mis-use of the house
and property, and any disturbance to ourselves and neighbors. We are committed to an
outstanding experience for all.
We believe the intent of the Homestay Setback Requirement, to reduce impact to neighbors,
has been met (even exceeded) in this instance.
We therefore request approval of this application for a Special Exception.
Sincerely,
n
Susan C. Pierce, Owner
6950 Heards Mountain Road
Covesville, VA 22931
(703) 622-3995
susan@commonwealthhome.com