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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAP201900004 Staff Report 2020-02-04GREG KAMPTNER
COUNTY ATTORNEY
ANDREW H. HERRICK
DEPUTY COUNTY ATTORNEY
COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE
Office of County Attorney
401 McIntire Road, Suite 325
Charlottesville, Virginia 22902-4596
PHONE (434) 9724067
FAX (434) 9724068
Marsha Alley, Recording Secretary
Albemarle County Board of Zoning Appeals
401 McIntire Road
Charlottesville, Virginia 22902
Re: Motion for Rehearing of Burton & Maus appeal (AP201900004)
Dear Marsha:
RICHARD A. DELORIA
AMANDA E. B. FARLEY
SUSAN BAUMGARTNER
ANTHONY R. BESSETTE
SENIOR ASSISTANT
COUNTY ATTORNEYS
Please find enclosed a Motion for Rehearing of the Board of Zoning Appeals' October 1
decision in the Bufton & Maus appeal (AP201900004). This Motion is being filed pursuant to
Rule 5(J) of the BZA's Rules or Procedure, on behalf of the Albemarle County Board of
Supervisors. Though this decision has not yet been appealed to the Circuit Court, we strongly
suggest that the Chair call a special meeting of the BZA, pursuant to Rule 2(C), before October
31.
Though Virginia Code § 15.2-2308.1 precludes BZA members from certain direct
communications with County staff, I'd welcome any questions that you or counsel may have.
Thank you for accepting the Board of Supervisors' filing of this Motion.
Sincerely,
Andrew H. Herrick
Deputy County Attorney
Enclosure
Cc: James M. Bowling, IV, Esq.
John R. Maus and Evelyn Bufton
RECEIVED
OCT 0 8 2019 54,-�,e
COMMUNITY T)n,,tD,
DEVELOPMENT
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VIRGINIA: BEFORE THE ALBEMARLE COUNTY BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
IN RE: BUFTON & MAUS LAW OFFICE APPEAL AP2019-00004
MOTION FOR REHEARING
Pursuant to Rule 5(J) of Rules of Procedure of the Albemarle County Board of Zoning
Appeals (the "BZA"), the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors (the `Board"), by counsel,
respectfully moves for a rehearing of the BZA's October 1, 2019 decision in the above -captioned
appeal. In support of its Motion, the Board respectfully states that the BZA (a) lacked any
factual evidence that the proposed home occupation use in fact complied with the applicable (25
foot) setbacks, and (b) lacked any legal authority to waive those setbacks. In further support of
its Motion, the Board further states as follows:
1. The Board incorporates by reference the materials previously submitted on its behalf,
including (but not limited to):
a. letter of Kevin McCollum, designee of the Zoning Administrator, to John R. Maus,
dated July 30, 2019 (the subject determination of the present appeal);
b. staff report of Kevin McCollum and Bart Svoboda, dated October 1, 2019; and
c. memorandum of the undersigned counsel, dated September 19, 2019.
Lack of Evidence/Burden of Proof
2. Under Virginia 0x1e S 15.12309(1): "The determination of the administrative officer shall
be presumed to be correct. At a hearing on an appeal, the administrative officer shall
explain the basis for his determination after which the appellant has the burden of proof to
rebut such presumption of correctness by a preponderance of the evidence." [emphasis
addedl
3. Because the appellants failed to produce any evidence that the proposed home occupation
use in fact complied with the applicable (25 foot) setbacks, the BZA should have
affirmed the administrative determination, rather than insisting that the Zoning
Administrator bear the burden of proving the appellants' non-compliance.
RECEIVED
j}Cin e
OCT 0 E 2019
COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT
pg Z 0
Lack of"Written Order. Requirement. Decision or Determination" Subject to Change
4. Though the BZA relied heavily on the "remedial nature" of Virginia Code § 15.2-
2311(C), the BZA failed to identify any specific "written order, requirement, decision or
determination made by the zoning administrator or other administrative officer" that was
being changed or restored.
5. Because no zoning administrator or other administrative officer was seeking to change,
modify or reverse any such order, requirement, decision or determination, there was no
such order, requirement, decision or determination for the BZA to restore.
6. Because all such orders, requirements, decisions and determinations remain unchanged,
Virginia Code § 15.2-2311(C) simply does not apply to the subject appeal.
Change in Relevant and Material Conditions or Situations
7. The BZA's October 1 decision on this appeal has not already been appealed to the Circuit
Court.
8. However, following the BZA's October 1 decision, the Board has indicated its strong
concern and intent to further appeal the BZA's October 1 decision by October 31 unless
the BZA first takes corrective action.
9. This change in one or more relevant and material conditions or situations bears on the
BZA's original decision and justifies a prompt rehearing.
WHEREFORE, the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors respectfully requests that
the BZA promptly rehear its October 1, 2019 decision in the above -captioned appeal.
Respectfully Submitted,
ALBEMARLE COUNTY
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
By Counsel
2
RECEIVED
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COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT
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Greg Kamptner, VSB # 33788
Andrew H. Herrick, VSB #37236
ALBEMARLE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
401 McIntire Road
Charlottesville, Virginia 22902
(434)972-4067
FAX (434) 972-4068
October 8, 2019
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I hereby certify that on this 8fiA1 day of October, 2019, a true copy of the foregoing
Motion for Rehearing was sent by first-class mail, postage prepaid, to:
James M. Bowling, IV, Esq.
St. John, Bowling, Lawrence & Quagliana, LLP
416 Park Street
Charlottesville, Virginia 22902
John R. Maus and Evelyn Bufton
Post Office Box E
Gordonsville, Virginia 22942
Al
Andrew H. Herrick
3
RECEIVED
OCT 0 0 7019 �
COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT
-;10-� Li'N
Evelyn Bufton
John R. Maus
BUFTON & MAUS, PLC
Attorneys at Law
Post Office Box E
7380 Gordonsville Road
Gordonsville, Virginia 22942
phone: (540) 832-6172
fax: (540) 406-5911
October 11, 2019
BY EMAIL TO MALLEY30ALBEMARLE.ORG
Ms. Marsha Alley, Recording Secretary
Albemarle County Board of Zoning Appeals
401 McIntire Road
Charlottesville, Virginia 22902
Re: County's Motion for Rehearing of Bufton & Maus appeal (AP201900004)
Dear Ms. Alley:
Enclosed herewith is our Objection to the County's Motion for Rehearing. Because
(1) Mr. Herrick chose to send our copy of his motion by the slowest means available (i.e., by
US Postal Service), rather than by fax or email, each of which addresses he had, (2) Mr.
Herrick suggests that the BZA must act quickly on the County's motion and (3) we are about
to enter a 3-day holiday weekend, I am sending a copy of this letter and our Objection to the
BZA chairman, John Shepherd.
Thanking you for your continuing courtesy, I remain
Enclosure
Cc: Mr. Herrick (by first class mail)
Mr. Bowling (by first class mail)
Mr. Shepherd (by email)
VIRGINIA:
BEFORE THE ALBEMARLE COUNTY BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
In Re: Bufton & Maus Law Office Appeal No AP2019-00004
Objection to Motion for Rehearing
Applicants respectfully move the Albemarle County Board of Zoning
Appeals (hereinafter, "the BZA") to deny the motion of the Albemarle County
Board of Supervisors for rehearing pursuant to Rule 5(j) of the BZA's rules and,
in support hereof, state that:
1. Rule 5(J) provides that the BZA may grant a motion for rehearing
provided that an appeal has not been taken to the Circuit Court only if:
A. new evidence can be presented that, in the opinion of the BZA, is
relevant and material to the decision but could not have been
presented at the original hearing, or
B. in the opinion of the BZA, one or more relevant and material
conditions or situations have changed so as to bear on the BZA's
original decision.
2. On its face, the County's Motion for Rehearing does not allege that new
evidence has been discovered that could not have been presented at the
original hearing, nor does it allege that there has been any change of
circumstances since the BZA hearing and decision.
3. Instead, the County's Motion for Rehearing suggests that the BZA acted
improperly by:
A. Shifting the burden of proof from the Applicants to the administrative
officer, and
B. Misinterpreting the application of Virginia Code §15.2-2311(C).
4. Neither of the grounds set forth in paragraphs 3A and 3B above is
grounds for rehearing under Rule 5(J).
5. The Motion for Rehearing also curiously - and incorrectly - alleges that
the County's decision to question the BZA ruling somehow constitutes a
change in relevant and material conditions or situations.
WHEREFORE, Applicants respectfully move the Board of Zoning Appeals
to deny the County's Motion for Rehearing.
John R. Maus, Attorney at Law
Virginia State Bar No.13420
Bufton & Maus, PLC
Post Office Box E
Gordonsville, Virginia 22942
Phone: 540-832-6172
Fax: 540-406-5911
Certificate
i certify that, on October 11, 2019, I sent a copy of the foregoing pleading
by first class mail, postage prepaid, to:
Andrew W. Herrick, Deputy County Attorney
Albemarle County Attorney's Office
401 McIntire Road
Charlottesville, Virginia 22902
"MT111
James M. Bowling, IV, Esq.
St. John, Bowling, Lawrence and Quagliana, LLP
416 Park Street
Charlottesville, Virginia 22902
ALBEMARLE COUNTY BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
COUNTY OFFICE BUILDING
401 MCINTIRE ROAD — LANE AUDITORIUM
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2019 — 2:00 P.M.
Board Members: Marcia Joseph
Ed Robb
David Bowerman
John Shepherd
Randy Rinehart, absent
Staff Members: Bart Svoboda, Zoning Administrator
Marsha Alley, BZA Clerk and Recorder
County Attorney: Andy Herrick, Deputy County Attorney
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 2:01 p.m. by Chairman John Shepherd.
2. Establish a Quorum
The BZA established a quorum, with four members present. Chairman Shepherd reminded everyone that in
order to overturn a determination by the zoning administrator, it would require a majority of the members of the
board, which in this case would mean three.
3. Public Hearings:
MR. SHEPHERD: So, with that, I would like to call the public hearing to order. Just — I feel like I'm talking to
a large room with a small crowd here. Sometimes we go through the rules and procedures, but basically what
we're going to do is, with a public hearing, we'll start with a staff report that's going to last for 15 minutes. We
have a timing system that we do want to adhere to. You'll see the green light on when your time is wide open.
The yellow comes on — Marsha, at the one -minute warning? So, when you see the yellow light come on, try to
wrap it up, and when the red light comes on, bring it to a conclusion. This is more important when you have a
large crowd and people are waiting to get through the process, but even so, this is what we want to do.
Of course, after hearing from both the parties, we would hear from the public if there's anyone that wants to
speak. Then, the — have a time for a wrap-up/rebuttal summation. We'll start with the staff and end with the
appellants. Then, we'll discuss it, make a decision.
Also, I'll briefly just say this is our second meeting with Jim Bowling, second time we've had an attorney
representing us. So, appreciate your being part of this. It's helpful and good, and I appreciate it. Thank you. Just
want to say, so far, so good. But it does create a slightly different dynamic for us that I think is very positive and
good.
So, with that, I guess we can just start, if— Bart, Kevin, are you guys ready to go?
MR. SVOBODA: I'm Bart Svoboda, Zoning Administrator for Albemarle County. This is Appeal 201900004.
I'm going to give you a brief history. I'll speak for a moment, and then Mr. Herrick will finish up. This
property description is Tax Map 50, Parcel 49. It contains 2.4 acres. It's located in Eastern Albemarle County
along State Route 631.
MR. ROBB: Mr. Chairman, can you ask him to speak up?
MR. SHEPHERD: Bart, could you speak up a little, or just get closer to the mic?
MR. SVOBODA: Is that better?
MR. SHEPHERD: Yep.
MR. SVOBODA: Okay, sorry about that.
I I' _ I I I M
MR. SVOBODA: Again, this is Tax Map 50, Parcel 49, 2.4 acres. It's located in the Eastern Albemarle County
along State Route 631. There's one dwelling and one accessory structure located on the property. The address is
7380 and 7382 Gordonsville Road, respectively. The property fronts on State Route 631, which is an Entrance
Corridor, and is zoned Rural Areas. Because this is a residential application, the Entrance Corridor does not
come into play here.
The drawing I will show you is a drawing that was submitted with the building permit. If you go back one slide,
you can see the existing house on the drawing. The existing house is to the center, and the proposed, or now
current, structure is located in the comer of the lot, on the northeast comer.
This is a brief history or summary of how we got here. On September 29 of 2017, the applicant had contacted
the county and asked questions regarding a home occupation. We responded with an email, which included the
25-foot side property line for this home occupation — for a home occupation permit and a building permit. So, in
the email, it was explained the process. So, in that process, we did specify setbacks. We did indicate that there
was a home occupation permit required and also a building permit.
On October 18, the appellants applied for that building permit for an accessory structure. On December 7, the
building permit for an accessory structure was issued, which authorized the construction. It did note that the rear
and side setbacks were 6 feet, which is consistent with an accessory structure. There's a difference between an
accessory structure and an accessory structure that's used for a home occupation.
On June 4, 2019, the appellant applied for the home occupation clearance, which was after the permit was
issued and the inspections were final. We went out to check to see if the accessory structure met the primary
structure — the 25 feet — as mentioned in the 2017 email. It was identified that it does not meet those
requirements, so we could not approve the home occupation permit.
On July 30, that was communicated to the appellant in writing on official determination, which denied the
appellant's application for a major home occupation; and August 12, the appellant filed the present appeal.
The language you see in this next slide is the zoning ordinance, which is 5.2.a, C 1. And if you look at the
highlighted section in the middle of the screen — so the red square is just a blowup and it indicates an accessory
structure that does not conform to the applicable setback and yard requirements for the primary structure, so not
to use for a home occupation. And the chart below that is Section 10.4, which is the Rural Areas portion of the
ordinance, which indicates that the side setback would need to be 25 feet.
This particular drawing is our GIS map that has identified approximately where the structure is. Again, these
maps are used primarily for tax purposes, and this measurement of 14 feet is what was measured out in the field
by county staff. I will note that the property line has not been surveyed. The fence that's out there was identified
as the approximate line by the property owner, so that's what we're using for our information.
That's all that I have from the zoning perspective and that brief history, and I'll let Mr. Herrick take over from
here.
MR. HERRICK: Mr. Chair, members of the board, it's a pleasure to be here this afternoon. I'm Andy Herrick,
on behalf of the County Zoning Administrator. The matter before the board this afternoon is an appeal of the
denial of a home occupation clearance that was sought by the appellant.
Again, as Mr. Svoboda has indicated, the applicants applied for and received a building permit for the accessory
structure in 2017, and as the presentation indicated, the rules for accessory structures are that they may be
within 6 feet of the property line. Staff advised applicants of the home occupation requirements back in 2017,
when the building permit was first applied for, and Ms. Ragsdale's email to the applicant can be found at
Attachment G to the staff report, again, in which she outlines what the requirements are, the fact that a home
occupation clearance is needed. That was sent to the applicant at the time.
However, the applicants applied for the home occupation clearance only after the construction of the building,
after the building was completed in recent months here in 2019. And unlike accessory structures, home
occupations must occur within primary setbacks, which are 25 feet. So as a result, the home occupation
clearance was denied, and what's before you today, again, is the applicant's appeal. That's the only matter
that's before the board today. And again, the options for the board are to either affirm, modify, or reverse the
determination made by the Zoning Administrator, that this property did not qualify for a home occupation
clearance.
So as outlined in my memo — which you all should have received as a part of the package — there's a difference
between structures and uses, and it's unfortunate that there was a misunderstanding on the applicant's part. I
think that there was a misunderstanding that it was one application and that getting the building permit was
sufficient in order to basically clear the way for all types of uses on the property. And unfortunately for the
applicants, that's just not the case.
There are separate requirements for building permits on the one hand, and for uses on the other. The building
permit requirements are for the structure's conformance with the uniform state-wide building code, structural
soundness — these sorts of things. And again, structures — accessory structures — sheds, small accessory
buildings — can be located within 6 feet of a property line in the rural areas.
And I would suggest that both applications were correctly processed — that the application for a building permit
was correctly processed and that the accessory structure was approved, because it met all the building code
requirements. It met the lesser setback requirements for accessory structures, but then also, the application for a
home occupation clearance was also properly processed because that comes with a separate and higher bar that
it must be located — or that any use of that accessory structure — must be within the primary setback, which is 25
feet. So again, it's a higher bar for the home occupation use, and again, unfortunately for the applicant, that
building simply doesn't meet that higher bar for the intended use.
There are a few points that were made in the appellants' submittal that I'd like to address. First of all, there was
no promissory estoppel in this case, as I outlined in my memo. A promissory estoppel involves some sort of
misstatement or misleading to where one party sort of misleads another party. That other party relies on the
misleading statement to their detriment. In this case, there was no misleading statement by the county. The
county, again, correctly processed the building permit application, informed the applicant of the need to apply
for a separate home occupation clearance, correctly processed the home occupation clearance.
So again, aside from the unfortunate misunderstanding on the part of the applicant, the county, again, properly
processed and properly communicated the requirements at every step of the process. And for that reason, the
Rhoads case that I understand has been cited also doesn't apply in this case. The Rhoads case involves a clear
mistake by county staff, which county staff— again, in the Rhoads case — gave more permission or gave greater
approval than they could under their zoning ordinance and then tried to walk it back, basically. And the court
said no, you can't do that — that once you've made that approval, even a mistaken approval, the county after a
certain time can't revoke or pull back.
And again, that's not what the facts are here. The county is not seeking to withdraw or reverse the building
permit. The county is still fine with the building permit and isn't seeking to revoke that building permit because,
again, the accessory structure in that location is still appropriate. Each permit's been processed correctly.
The other thing — as I indicated at the outset — only the appeal of the Zoning Administrator's determination is
before the board today. There's not a variance application. The board can't, on its own initiative, award a
variance. The BZA is limited to the application that is before it today, and the application that's before it today
is an appeal of the determination by the Zoning Administrator for which the three options are, again, to affirm,
modify, or reverse. Again, a variance is not an option, based on what's before the board today.
So again, I would suggest that this was an unfortunate misunderstanding, but it was a misunderstanding on the
applicants' part, and that's simply not grounds for a reversal of the correct determination of the Zoning
Administrator. I think the applicants deserve some sympathy or empathy for the situation which they find
themselves, but they don't deserve a zoning clearance. And again, we'd ask the board to uphold the finding of
the Zoning Administrator. Thank you.
MR. SHEPHERD: Thank you. Mr. Maus?
MR. MAUS: Thank you, Mr. Shepherd, members of the board. My name is Jack Maus. I am one of the
applicants. My law partner, my wife — Lyn Bufton — is seated here in the audience.
Much of the history that we will be going over to start with is similar to what the county has given you. Again,
we know Virginians love our history. The history was that on October 18, that Lyn submitted this applicant for
a building permit. It was processed that day — I think it was paid — and then we waited. Waited for the county to
do something.
Almost two months later, we received from the county — without any question about whether or not we
misunderstood, whether there was some kind of misrepresentation — we received a building permit from the
county that said that we could build this law office that we had asked for within 6 feet of the side setback. And
of course, this was the wintertime, so we started clearing the property in the spring, summertime it was ready,
and October of 2018, we began construction, and we finished it in May of this year.
A final inspection was done, and although the County Attorney's office says, well, the purpose of a Certificate
of Occupancy and the building permit is to ensure that the building is safely done, and this building passed
4
every one of the tests. The county refused to give us a clean Certificate of Occupancy because there may subject
to only our personal use because it was pending zoning matters. They try to tell you, well, they're really
different, but they've connected those two as far as what we're able to do with this property.
What you see in front of you is a picture of the building that we constructed, pursuant to the building permit. I'd
say right now, it's a 30 by 34 law office. Here is the picture of the back of the property. Mr. Svoboda mentioned
14 feet from the drainpipe there to Mr. Hallow's fence — that is approximately 14 feet, no question about it. A
view of the same building from the road that you can see — there's an open field behind it. We're not going to be
looking into anybody's windows or to any private areas. It's very rural.
Now, when we initially filed the appeal — of course, you have a very limited time in which to do that. And case
law — you know, we've cited to the board what we knew at the time, which as any good trial lawyer will tell
you, your legal research continues up to the time you walk into the courtroom. And so, since that time, we've
had some more opportunity to research [inaudible 2:19:16], and the County Attorney has mentioned to you the
Rhoads case, which we're going to get to in a minute.
But in 1994, the Virginia Supreme Court decided a case called Snow vs. Amherst County Board of Zoning
Appeals. Now, in that case, what happened was the Snow got approval of a variant to setback variance. I think
the current ordinance provides for 150 feet, they've got one for 100. They didn't act on it, and then what
happened was the county changed the ordinance. Instead of being 150 feet, it went to 200. They applied and
were told no.
So, they appealed to the Board of Zoning Appeals there in Amherst. The board denied it. The property owners
sued to the Supreme Court of Virginia, and the Supreme Court of our state — or the Commonwealth — said that
the property owner only has a vested right in a zoning decision under the following circumstances: 1) there must
have been a significant government act, 2) the land owner must have diligently pursued the use authorized by
the permit, and 3) the land owner must have incurred substantial expense in good faith. Now in that particular
case in 1994, the Supreme Court said, well, we don't think a variance is a significant government act and the
Snows really didn't pursue their project diligently, so they lost on appeal of the state Supreme Court.
That was September 1994. Well, the next time the General Assembly met — 1995, January 25, several months
later — Dick Saslaw introduced the Senate Bill 10.79 intended to fix the problem that was raised in the Snow
case. That statute, that bill, would have amended 15.2-2311 by adding a Section C. That bill was sponsored by
17 of Virginia's 40 senators and passed the Virginia Senate by a vote of 39-0. It went over to the House and
passed that body by a vote of 96-3 — overwhelming support in both houses. The governor signed it in March 20
of 1995.
So, Virginia Code Section 15.2-2311(C) says that in no event shall a written order, requirement, decision, or
other determination made by a Zoning Administrator be subject to change, modification reversal, by any Zoning
Administrator or official after 60 days have elapsed from the date of the written order. Where the person agreed
to materially change his position in good faith reliance on the actions of the Zoning Administrator or the
administrating officer unless you can prove malfeasance — not just misfeasance — malfeasance of the Zoning
Administrator or administrative officer, or through fraud. There's another sentence in that section, which really
doesn't apply here. It says the 6-day limitation does not apply in any case with the concurrence of the attorney
for the governing body. You have clerical or non -discretionary errors. Clearly, the granting of a permit saying a
side setback line is a discretionary function.
In recent case law, this is what the County Attorney's office is referring you to — Board of Supervisors of
Richmond County vs. Rhoads. This is just two years ago, 2017. Latest Supreme Court of Virginia case
interprets this — the court said, "The plain language of the statute says it is intended to eliminate the hardship
property owners suffered when they relied, to their detriment, on erroneous or void zoning decisions." The court
said the statute was remedial in nature, and that's kind of a code word that says it's meant to be liberally
construed so the purpose intended may be accomplished.
So what did the court in Rhoads say? If you look at page 3 of the Rhoads decision, which I submitted through
Marsha yesterday, that it be a written order requiring a decision or determination made by a Zoning
Administrator. At least 60 days must have passed from then, and then a material change in good faith reliance
on the act of the Zoning Administrator.
So what do we have here? Building permit definitely constitutes a written decision or determination by the
Zoning Administrator. More than 60 days have passed since that building permit was issued in December of
2017, and we indeed changed our positioning — good faith reliance — on where the county told us we could put
this building. Now, staff report — they agree that they issued a building permit allowing it to be built where it is.
They agree they we relied on that permit in locating it there. But what they disagree with is that the intended use
of the structure was fully disclosed of the department, and they disagree that if we can't have people in there —
we can't have clients in there, we can't have other professionals in there — that we are, in some way, not going
to be harmed.
So, here's what we think. If you look at the paperwork, when we submitted the application for the building
permit, we never used the words, "storage building/accessory structure." That was something that the county
added at some point, and we don't know when because again, we submitted the application in October 2017.
We got the permit in December. We don't know how many hands, or whose hands, that went through in those
two months. Those words were added by someone in Community Development between the time we submitted
the application and the time the building permit was issued.
The building permit application, if you look at it, clearly describes it as a new structure for home office, and it
says it includes a bathroom and a little kitchen. Now, I understand the difference between a shed and a home
office, but you're not going to be putting a bathroom and a kitchen in an accessory shed, alright? There was no
misunderstanding on our part what we were asking the county for.
When we filled out the application, the initial square footage was for a 900-square-foot building, 30 by 30, and
we subsequently expanded a little bit to 34 by 30, but somewhere along the way — and again, we don't know
where this happened within the Department of Community Development — but the square footage on the
application was changed from 900 to 792. And then the part of the partial building application permit that's in
your package — the one that Jennifer Smith entered on October 18 — is blank in the area "setbacks." It wasn't
until we got that in December that the 6-foot side setback line appeared.
So bottom line is, we never said — we never did — anything that misled the Department of Community
Development. Our intended purpose was always to use this building as a law office and a place where we could
meet with clients, be with other persons related to our practice, whether it's court reporters, whether it's other
lawyers, other professionals. That's what it was always intended for. The floor plan we submitted with the
application for the building permit included a conference room, a bathroom, and a kitchenette. Now, tell me
why you would have a conference room if the intention was not to have people there. We made our intentions
clear the entire time, and if we can't meet with clients or we can't meet with their parties for our practice then,
yeah, we suffer a detriment. That'll be pretty obvious.
Now, the package also mentions to you that Albemarle County — but of course, the day the final inspection was
done, within an hour, the tax people were out saying, alright, your property is worth more now. And within a
0
couple weeks, 911 came out and said, well you have the structure that people are going to be occupying, and so
because we want rescue personnel to know where to go to, we have to sign your separate 911 address. Clearly,
inconsistent with what the department is now saying is that the office was only intended, ever, to be used as a
shed, which it seems strange now a copy of the floor plans were done in October of 2017, when the plans were
submitted.
In the lower righthand comer is, where my arrow is, the cursor's going, that says, "Conference/Reception."
You've got two offices on the left side, bath, and a kitchen. This is the conference room as it is today. That's
what it's always meant to be. It's got a conference table, it's got chairs. It's got a place for people to meet. This
is my office. You can see it's got client chairs here. Trial practice involves meeting with clients, meeting with
witnesses. It's an integral part of what we do. It's what we always told the county from the get -go we wanted to
do.
So in conclusion, what we're asking the board to do is to reverse the decision of the Zoning Administrator,
grant us a zoning clearance for major home occupation.
Okay, so that concludes my presentation. I still have a couple minutes left, so if you have any questions, I'd be
glad to answer them.
MR. SHEPHERD: Thank you.
MR. MAUS: Alright. Thank you, sir.
MR. SHEPHERD: Other questions, at this point?
MR. MAUS: No questions? Good.
MR. SHEPHERD: Not at this point, but there's — there will be discussion, and we may have questions as we get
into it.
MR. MAUS: Okay. I'd be glad to answer any questions.
MR. SHEPHERD: But for now, thank you.
Is there anyone from the public who wishes to speak? Is there anyone from the public here?
Okay. So... that, I guess, we are now — the matter is before us. For starters, does anyone have any questions for
staff or the appellant?
MS. JOSEPH: Yes. Mr. Svoboda... when someone is building a shed in the rural areas, when does the zoning
clearance occur?
MR. SVOBODA: It depends on the use, so there's difference between a shed and an accessory structure. Well,
a shed IS an accessory structure. A pool house is an accessory structure.
MS. JOSPEH: Right.
MR. SVOBODA: A garage with a rec room above it is an accessory structure. So when we talk about accessory
structures, we're not just talking about storage buildings. It can be any of those things.
7
MS. JOSEPH: But when is the clearance done? I guess I always assumed it was done as the footers were put in.
MR. SVOBODA: The zoning inspection is done —
MS. JOSEPH: The zoning inspection, not the clearance.
MR. SVOBODA: Not the clearance.
MS. JOSEPH: Okay.
MR. SVOBODA: The preliminary zoning inspection is done when you locate the building, which is —
MS. JOSEPH: Okay. And that was done.
ar yw : 8107_oY-
MS. JOSEPH: Okay. And the other thing that really confuses me — that years ago, an accessory structure
couldn't have a kitchen in it because then it would be considered another kind of dwelling, and this is only two
acres, and it's in the rural areas. So I'm kind of confused about that.
MR. SVOBODA: So to be a dwelling unit, a structure has to have a place for cooking, a place for sleeping, and
a place for sanitation. This particular structure has two of the three, but not all of the three — not a place for
sleeping.
MS. JOSEPH: Okay.
MR. SVOBODA: So it would not qualify as a dwelling unit.
MS. JOSEPH: Okay.
MR. ROBB: Mr. Chairman, I'd like a question of our counsel. Would you describe and explain, in layman's
terms, simply and completely, exactly what this board is being asked to rule on.
MR. BOWLING: In layman's terms and in professional terms, this is a mess. And what you're being asked to
do is to, by the applicant, is to give relief for this mess.
MS. ALLEY: Excuse me, Mr. Bowling? Could you speak into your mic?
MR. BOWLING: Yes. What you're being asked by the applicant to do is to give him relief in this particular
case, and what he's hanging his hat on — at least as I heard it — he's not hanging his hat on the memorandum that
he prepared for you, which I think was in your packet arguing about equitable relief, and I agree with the
Deputy County Attorney's comments concerning equitable relief. I think he's correct on that. He's asking, as I
hear it — he's asking you to give him relief under 15.2-2311(C) — the statutory language of which is before you.
And then he's provided you with reference to a recent Virginia Supreme Court case saying that that statute is to
be considered liberally and is designed for this precise situation to provide relief for an applicant under what he
says is his particular circumstances.
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His point is that, at all times during this effort, he identified what he was to do as a home occupation, and it was
clear on his face that he was going to build a home occupation. Staff, on the other hand — as I interpret staff s
position, and I hope I'm doing this correctly — they can pipe up and correct me if I'm wrong — is that from the
beginning in this, through Ms. Ragsdale's email, the applicant was informed that the applicable setback in this
particular case was not 6 feet — it was 25 feet. That's in the record and in the packet that you received.
During the course of this proceeding, a building permit was issued, which muddied the waters considerably and
which — if you want to analyze it this way — is the root of the cause of the problem. By that, the application from
the building permit, from the applicant's eyes, stated that, clearly, I'm going to be using this for a home
occupation. Instead, the building permit was issued with a setback for 6 feet, which is for an accessory use only.
There is the root of this problem.
Staff says you cannot give relief under the requested statute, or under any sort of equitable theory that's been
advanced by the applicant. Staff has also pointed out that this is not a variance situation that's before you. One,
the applicant hasn't requested a variance; two, he hasn't applied for a variance. So you're only left with the
application. The official's decision in this case was correct, and you should uphold the Zoning Administrator's
decision.
Now, I don't know if I've been clear, because this not one that's so easy to state clearly, but I think I've laid out
the two positions for you — or at least, I hope I have.
MR. ROBB: Mr. Chairman, not unusual, but I'm confused. I'm looking here at a building permit, page 1. A
copy of the building permit for the particular structure in question, and it says, "Work description: New
structure for home office." I can't understand what is hard to follow with that description.
MR. BOWLING: That's clear, but somewhere else on that building permit, on page — further back, I believe,
and the other members can correct me, or staff can correct me — there's some notice that says — that refers to the
application differently. Am I correct on that?
MR. SHEPHERD: I see that. It says, "Sub -application type: Storage building/accessory building." And then it's
blank.
MR. BOWLING: Right, and that's the mess part that I pointed out to you.
MR. ROBB: Right, but down below, in bold letters: "Work description: New structure for home office."
MR. BOWLING: Undeniably, that's what it says.
MR. ROBB: Now, that causes me some heartburn. I understand — and that's why I asked for clarification
exactly what we're being asked to deal with. I'm not sure that I still understand. I'm not sure what you could
say that would make it more clear for me, so let's just move on with where we are.
MR. SHEPHERD: If I could, I'd like to sort of state — state the question you have in a slightly different way,
and the way I'm seeing this. I clearly understand the difference between the approval of a structure, which is
done with a building permit, and the approval of a use, which is done with a clearance. That's very
straightforward to me, and I understand it. But I used to work in the Zoning Department, so I just sort of take
that as clear to me because I know the process.
However, when I look at the building permit, I'm seeing — the words that come off the page to me are, "New
structure for a home office," and I see the building plans that were approved — you know, that were part of that
— which had conference areas. I'm just repeating, but I think they're salient points. Conference room, reception
areas. There's two offices. It shows a handicapped ramp, which just implies that the public is going to be there.
So I inferred from that — and one thing that's difficult about this situation is that you're sort of up here trying to
be mind readers, which we are not. But I inferred from that that, at least from the appellant's standpoint, that
they were clear in what they were asking for. I get that, and I think — if you look at the page before you put your
glasses on, you're seeing a home office.
I know that there's a difference between a home office and a major home occupation, per Supplemental Reg
5.2a, or whatever the code section is. Technically, I understand that that is correct. But somewhere along the
line, I think there's a — I wonder about the process for flagging that obvious problem with the building permit.
There's a — the building permit was reviewed and approved, and that process took quite some time. There's a
preliminary zoning approval of that. There's a final zoning approval of that. I don't understand how — I mean, I
— from the county side, that it wasn't flagged somewhere to just say — when you see the way the permit was set
up, that that shouldn't have been a red flag that would've said, hold everything, we have to get this clarified.
I think there is some — I could argue this — I'm really, in my own mind, hung on the homs of this dilemma. For
me, it's clear both ways. But I — I'm concerned about — I wonder about the process that let it get this far, with a
permit — with those things that, to me, clearly indicated an office — a commercial -style office — as well as just a
description of it in the larger font. And clearly, the applicants' words — it's a home office, where the — I think
it's called a "subcategory." I mean, that's really — I guess that's a building code designation that is a class of
building and it would establish what building code was controlling it.
MS. JOSEPH: John, can I ask a question too? Because it is — it is connected with what you were just saying
because there is a lot of confusion. One of the requirements for the building permit is a plat, right? Or a legal
description of the property. Is that something that you received? Because that would — and I guess the other
thing that you showed us was this sewage disposal site plan that shows 45 feet from the sideline. Did the
Building Department, did Zoning, accept this as a part of the building permit that was required by having a plat
submitted?
MR. SVOBODA: That is the sketch that was in the file that located the structure on the parcel.
MS. JOSEPH: Okay.
MR. SVOBODA: It was the Health Department information.
MS. JOSEPH: So that came from the Health Department. It wasn't part of the requirement that staff received as
part of the building permit package.
MR. SVOBODA: It is part of the required paperwork that we use to review the permit.
MS. JOSEPH: Right, but it is called a "sewage disposal site plan." It's not the plat. So I guess what I'm trying
to figure out — was that used when staff looked at this and said, okay, the setback is correct for this?
MR. SVOBODA: The individual who reviewed the permit no longer works for the county. When we go back
through these files, we go based on what is located in the file, and so it would be my understanding that, based
on what we have in the file, that those documents were used to review and issue this permit.
10
MS. JOSEPH: Okay, and that was the person that signed this — Judy?
MR. SVOBODA: No. For zoning, the young lady's name was Emily.
MS. JOSEPH: Okay. Okay. So that was were received and accepted?
MR. SVOBODA: Yes.
MS. JOSEPH: Okay, thank you.
MR. ROBB: Mr. Chairman, as I started this discussion with focusing on the piece of evidence here, Building
Permit Copy, I'm troubled by what it says related to "Sub -Application Type: Storage Building/Accessory
Structure (New Off—" What is that? What does it say? It's not complete. And then we go down till we see,
"Work Description." Clearly, bold print: "New structure for home office." We go to the next page. It doesn't —
page — it doesn't have a number, but it says, "Building application... " so forth, identifying it. And then it goes
down in printed — hand -printed by somebody. I'd have to presume it was hand -printed. I'm going to ask who
hand -printed that. But it says, "New structure for home office."
If this is a piece of evidence that we're supposed to evaluate, then how can we get an — we need an explanation
for it, if we're going to be asked to support the — hold the finding of the Zoning Administrator.
MR. MAUS: [Away from the mic] Mr. Chairman, I can explain that. I mean — my wife filled out the application.
She would tell you -
MR. SHEPHERD: You have to get... step to the mic.
MS. BUFTON: Hello. How are you? My name is Evelyn Bufton. I am the law partner of Mr. Maus and also his
wife.
MS. ALLEY: Can you also please pull that down and speak into it?
MS. BUFTON: Sure, absolutely. Is that better?
MR. ROBB: Yeah.
MS. ALLEY: Thank you.
MS. BUFTON: I am the one that came into the county to get the permit, and so on this permit, where you can
see that handwriting on that. Pardon, on the application, yeah. I filled that out, and I filled it out at the desk at
the County Planning Office.
I had never heard a home occupation anything. I didn't even understand that term, and I had never heard that
term until the zoning folks came out and told us that we needed — that comer, one comer of the office we built
already was at 14 feet. The other comer at the back is over 25 feet.
The reason that the property — I had it situated — and I did the, kind of the managed all the construction — and
the reason that it was set out that way is so that it was parallel with the house so that it looked correct because
the property lines kind of go like this and the house kind of goes like this. So the back side of the office is 14
feet on one comer and over 25 feet on the other comer.
11
But I'm the one that filled this information in. I put the 900 on there — that writing on there that says 792, that is
not my writing. And the writing on the side, over on the righthand side, is not my writing. But the rest of it is.
MR. SHEPHERD: Thank you.
MS. BUFTON: If there are any other questions, I'd be happy to answer them.
MR. SHEPHERD: Mr. Herrick, I know you've been trying to hop in there.
MR. HERRICK: So, Mr. Chair, just to remind the members of the board, under the Board of Zoning Appeals
rules and procedure, each side is entitled to five minutes for rebuttal, and so I'd like to take advantage of what
the rules allow. I'd like to use that time to address many of the questions that have been raised during this time.
First of all, during his remarks, Mr. Maus indicated that the county hadn't given him a clean Certificate of
Occupancy, and I have the Ceriticate of Occupancy that I believe you all received as well. And I think what he
refers to as not being a clean Certificate of Occupancy is that the county did issue the certificate, but it specified
that it was for a detached personal home office, and there's a statement in there, "Special Conditions or
Modifications for Personal Use Only." And I think that there's a critical distinction here — that there can be such
a thing as a "Personal Home Office" without being a "Home Occupation." An example of what one might do in
a personal home office would be to complete one's taxes, balance one's checkbook, do things not for
compensation — perform one's own personal business, like a study, for instance. And in that case, again, there
was nothing wrong with conducting — having a personal home office — not for profit, not commercial — a
personal home office as an accessory structure. There's nothing wrong with that. So I would say that the
Certificate of Occupancy was correctly issued.
We also heard Mr. Maus invoke the Snow vs. Amherst Board of Zoning Appeals case and the resulting change
in the statute that took place to 15.2-2311(C), and I'd like to read that for your benefit. It reads, "In no event
shall a written order, requirement, decision, or determination made by the Zoning Administrator or other
administrative officer be subject to change, modification, or reversal by any Zoning Administrator or other
administrative office after 60 days have elapsed from the date of the written order, requirement, decision, or
determination." And then it goes on from there, but I'd like to just focus on that as the relevant portion.
For the first thing, the determination that seems to be discussed here is the building permit which, in fact, is not
a determination by the Zoning Administrator. It was issued by the Building Official. It's also been more than 60
days since that was issued. That is not before the Board of Zoning Appeals today. All that's before the Board of
Zoning Appeals today is the home occupation clearance.
The county isn't seeking to change, modify, or reverse the building permit. So 2311C in the Rhoads case might
applicable if the county were seeking, at this point, to somehow revoke the building permit because the building
permit has been issued and has been out there for more than 60 days. And if the county had said, "Oops, we
didn't mean to issue that building permit. Sorry, we'd like it back now," that would be a similar fact pattern to
what existed in the Rhoads case, and that would not be allowed under 2311 C.
But we're not seeking to change, modify, or reverse the building permit. We think the building permit is still
valid and was correctly issued. We think the zoning clearance was correctly denied. So again, I think that the
notion that relief can somehow be granted under 2311 C is wrong because again, we're not seeking to change,
modify, or reverse anything. Thank you.
12
MR. SHEPHERD: Thanks.
MR. MAUS: Mr. Chairman, one thing — and I meant to say this earlier. During his presentation, Mr. Svoboda
said several times —
MR. SHEPHERD: Give me one moment. Make this a rebuttal? Give him 5 minutes?
MR. MAUS: We can do that if you want to.
MR. SHEPHERD: Give him 5 minutes? Is that the rule?
MR. MAUS: That'd be fine. Mr. Svoboda several times in his presentation that this property is located on Route
631. That is incorrect. It is located on Route 231, which is the Gordonsville Road — the road that runs from
Shadwell to Gordonsville.
Now, those who are familiar with zoning matters, land use matters, may say, okay, we understand the difference
between a building permit and the zoning clearance, the structure and the use. We're not those people. I
primarily do criminal defense law, and some other — general law. My partner does domestic relations work. We
don't know.
What we do know — what we do know is that we applied for a permit to build our office, our law office, in
Albemarle County, and we told them — we told the county what we wanted to use it for. And they gave us a
permit that said, yes, you can put this 6 feet from the property line. We didn't go that close — we went 14 feet.
When we staked that thing out — I was there when my wife and another person staked it out — they called the
county and said, "Come out and tell us if we can put this building here." And a county official came out and
said, "Go for it." And that is exactly what we did. Exactly what we did.
Now, the County Attorney would have you believe that, well, the building permit was properly issued, but you
can still deny them the right to use it. What good does that do if we cannot use this office as a place to meet
clients? We might just — you might just as well revoke the building permit. We don't understand the nicety
between the use and the structure. We built it, we built it according to code. It was inspected every step of the
way. And when the county Building Official said, eh, no, that's not exactly right, you need to fix that, we did it.
It cleared the final inspection, and to say that it is only suitable for habitation for our personal use is shameful.
And it would be a shame for this board to say that the county — that's okay, you can create this confusion, you
can have this, this process break down somewhere — but we're not going to hold the county accountable for it,
we're going to hold the individuals — the landowners — accountable for it. That's what they're asking you to do,
and that's wrong. We applied for the structure, we clearly said we want to put our office there, we give them the
plans, showed them what it's going to be like, and they gave us a building permit almost two months after we
applied.
Now, I'll tell you, after the building was completed, Kevin came out and he called me up on the phone and said,
"Jack, we need to know the size of your house. Square footage of your house." I said, "Kevin, why do you need
to know that?" And he said, "Well, because the way I read the regs, your office can't be more than 25% of the
size of your house." And I said, "No, that's not right, Kevin. Look at it. It's 25% if the office is in the house.
1,500 square foot otherwise." "You know, you're right." So it wasn't what Kevin said first that counted, it was
what Kevin said second that counted, because he realized that he had start off and corrected assumptions.
13
So did Ms. Ragsdale send me an email in September of 2017 to say, "Well we think it's 25 feet"? Yes, she did.
But when we applied for the building permit, and the county comes back and says, "You can put that building 6
feet from the property line," it's what they said second that counts. That's what we relied on.
There's been talk about misunderstanding and mistake. Well, maybe there was, but it was done by the people
who are professionals in this who knew the difference. We did not. We relied in good faith on what the county
told us we can do. We built the building exactly as we proposed it, and we believe that the only way that justice
can be done is for the Board of Zoning Appeals to overturn Mr. Svoboda's decision and say, "Look, you've got
to give these people a major home occupation clearance." Thank you.
MR. SHEPHERD: Thank you.
MR. ROBB: As Ms. Joseph points out, the plat — the fact that there is no plat plan noted on this, on — the
document we have don't show a plat plan, period. Now, do you have a plat plan? Is there a plat plan that exists?
MR. MAUS: I don't understand, Mr. Robb — I don't understand what the term "plat plan" means.
MR. ROBB: The accurate measurements — the survey — of the property. Do you know for sure that it is more
than, or less than, 25 feet from that property? That fence doesn't mean that that's the —
MR. MAUS: It does not mean that, but the only way for us to find out is for us to incur the additional expense
of hiring a surveyor to go out and search the land records. The only plat that we have of that property is an old
plat that was done back when General Patton's family contributed half of what the Hallows had. The Wilsons
contributed half, and there was 2.5 acres on which was placed the old Edgeworth School, which was a public
school operated by Albemarle County from the 1910s to the 1940s. There have been no more current plats since
then.
MR. ROBB: So it's entirely possible that that building — can the county prove that that building is, in fact, less
than 25 feet from the property line?
MR. MAUS: As far as I know, they cannot prove it.
MR. ROBB: So it's all — this is all just, "Maybe." We're asked to make a decision related to what's important to
you and is financially important to you, based on a "maybe"?
MR. MAUS: Right. I think everybody is assuming — but we don't know for sure — that the fence represents a
property line. And so what the county wants us to do, in addition to putting up that building there and paying for
the appeal process here, is to hire a surveyor to go back and look at all the land records, figure that out and if it
is correct, that they want us to buy property from our adjacent landowner.
MR. ROBB: Can the county — that's my question — can the county identify the exact property line that you're
measuring from?
MR. SVOBODA: Is that a question for me?
MR. ROBB: Yes.
MR. SVOBODA: The property line is as indicated by the owner. We do not go out and do surveys.
14
MR. ROBB: I'm not hearing. Repeat that part.
MR. MAUS: He can't hear you.
MR. SVOBODA: The property line is identified by the property owner under his assumption that that is the
correct location for that property line, so we are going by the property owner's say-so.
MR. ROBB: So, we are assuming, then, that that fence is the property line.
MR. SVOBODA: Yes, that is according to the property owner.
MR. ROBB: I think, next question — my next point is I'm still concerned, going back to the building permit
where it says, "Storage building/accessory structure (New or - )" What?
MR. MAUS: See, Mr. Robb, we don't know that because when Lyn submitted the application on October 18,
there's no such subtype identified in the application.
MR. ROBB: It could say — it could say, excuse me — it could — is it possible that it could say, "New or Office
Space?" Or it could say, "New or Old Shed?" It could say lots of things.
MR. MAUS: You're exactly right, Mr. Robb. There are a lot of possibilities.
MR. ROBB: That's the official document that we're dealing with here, and I'm sorry, I — I think there's too
many things that we don't know about, and we're dealing with. And over here, I'm really — I'm troubled by,
you know, handwrittens — that we know, I guess it was a lady there — "New structure for home office." That's
clear.
MR. MAUS: Exactly.
MR. ROBB: So regardless of what it says, you know, up in that section. Excuse me for my rambling, but I'm
seriously very bothered by the determination that was made based on assumptions — things that we don't know
— that matter to you.
MR. MAUS: Right.
MS. JOSEPH: The complication, as we're looking at building requirements just for the structure itself, and then
the use. And that's where it gets really murky because the uses is requiring that the setback be the same as the
residence itself, so it meets the 75-25-35. So that's where the complication gets in, and the communication is
lacking is that there are groups of people just looking at the structure itself and thinking that it was a "man
cave" or a "she -shed" or something. And then, there were other people who, when it came to looking at the
home occupation, decided that it was a major and that it needed to meet the required setbacks. So that's where
the communication sort of fell apart, I think.
MR. SHEPHERD: I wonder, from the standpoint of the — I'm thinking of the legal case, and I'm also thinking
of the Rhoads case. Is the building — is the building permit considered — I forget the legal term, but a significant
determination — is that — it would be understood —
MR. BOWLING: I think you have to — you look at words with their common meaning, and is a building permit
a written order? Gives you permission to build something. Is it a requirement or decision? I think it is, one of
15
those. And is it made by another administrative officer? I think the Building Official can be seen as an "other
administrative officer." But the dilemma with interpreting this statute is to do that with any full accuracy. I'd
need to be a judge. You'd need to have a nice bunch of decisions, and you don't have the luxury of that. The
only luxury that we have available to use is some statutory language that the statute — or actually, decisional
language from the Supreme Court that the statute is clearly remedial. What that means is that it's to be liberally
construed to carry out its remedial purpose. And you, as the quasi-judicial body, the Board of Zoning Appeals,
are to decide how to do that.
MR. SHEPHERD: So, is there an implied sort of delegation of authority from the — or between the Zoning
Administrator and the Building Official in the course of reviewing and approving permits? So, I mean, I know
the preliminary zoning is just going out there and staking the building, but —
MR. BOWLING: I don't know what ultimately a court of law will do. Will they see a link in this? I don't know.
It's certainly possible you can argue that both ways. You could say yes and you could say no. But we don't
have the luxury of saying, "Well let's just go up and take this to the Supreme Court of Virginia and find out."
We need some guidance, we need some clearance.
You're left with this murky mess, and that's what you're here for, and you need to make a decision. Certainly, if
you think that this statute — if it's within what you think, as you interpret the Building Official doing as part of
this process, was led to a mistake, then so be it. You can make that ruling. If the county disagrees with you,
their remedy is to go forward and appeal the thing. And we're not going to get any better than that. We can sit
here and talk about this for a long time.
MS. JOSEPH: Well, is there any other remedy for this applicant?
MR. BOWLING: Well, he's mentioned a couple. He's mentioned that he could have gone to his neighbor and
said, "Well, can I get some extra square feet?" Okay. And we talked — I think the Deputy County Attorney
talked at the beginning. He said, "Well, this is not a variance set before you." I don't know whether the variance
would be applicable here or not. I'm not going to analyze that because it's not before you. I suspect there's
arguments that go both ways, so I'm not really sure that kicking the can down the road is going to get you any
further in this murky decision that you have to make.
MR. ROBB: Well, again, let me go back to this building permit question where it says, "Sub -application:
Storage Building/Accessory Building Structure (new — of)." Could that be, "(new office)?"
MR. MAUS: Mr. Robb, it could be. I have no idea how the county, in its administrative process, how they
assign subtypes to this.
MR. BOWLING: And I suspect we could get the Building Official in here and we could grill him, but I'm not
sure we'd get —
MR. ROBB: Well, that's why I ask the question.
MR. BOWLING: I don't know if you'd get any more clarity than what you have right now on the paper that's
before you, given the amount of time that's passed.
MR. ROBB: That's why I ask. Is this building permit a significant piece of evidence before this —
MR. BOWLING: Yes.
16
MR. ROBB: Okay
MR. MAUS: I think Mr. Svoboda is handing the Chairman a piece of paper that has an expanded description of
what that is, what the phrase was meant to be. Again, that's something that the county assigned after the
application was submitted, and we had no way of knowing that until the building permit was issued.
MR. SHEPHERD: So, what Bart Svoboda has just handed me is the — is showing what the pulldown menu there
says, and the full sentence is, "Storage Building/Accessory Structure (new or alteration)." That's what the
permit is. That's the subcategory of the permit.
MR. ROBB: So this is the original.
MR. SVOBODA: Yes, so our permits are done on computer, so we don't have paper copies.
MR. ROBB: Okay, fine, but let's say that that's what it says. Still says, "New structure for home office" in
italics below it. Where does it say that on this particular document? No, it doesn't. This isn't the same
document.
MR. S VOBODA: It's probably a different page of the document.
MR. ROBB: It isn't the same. It's not the same as the copy of the permit that I have
MR. SHEPHERD: I'm going to take a chance on speaking for the Building Official here just for a second, but I
think you have a building permit, and there would be many pages associated with the building permit that is
tracking the review of the permit through various approval processes and inspections. So, you're going to have
lots of pages that will have this — the heading will be the same, but below it will be different. Is that a fair —
[Many speakers talking over each other]
MR. ROBB: Mr. Chairman, this is not a copy of the document. This is — if this the original, or the original first
copy, then it's different than the one I have in my paperwork here related to titled, "Building Permit, page U'
The rest of the pages I have don't have a number on them. I don't know what they are.
MR. BOWERMAN: Mr. Chairman?
MR. SHEPHERD: Yes, Mr. Bowerman?
MR. BOWERMAN: I think you've all done a real good job up till now. I think what we need is a closure and I
would suggest that if Mr. Bowling could come up with the words for a — a rejection of the Zoning
Administrator's determination on this, and that we accept this as a significant — under liberal interpretation, that
we accept this as a legitimate mess than can be corrected by this board.
MR. BOWLING: So, what I hear you saying is that you want to correct this under Virginia Code 15.2-2311(C)?
MR. BOWERMAN: Yes, based on what we've talked about here tonight, which is a liberal interpretation which
I think — that's what this is allowing for, because clearly, you could read these minutes and you're going to see
that there has been a lot of discussion about this, and there's no way to get to final answer unless you do the
final answer, which is to go out and do the property line. It's just not material anymore.
17
MR. S VOBODA: Yeah, that burden of proof is on the applicant, not on the county. That's within the code.
Correct me if I'm wrong, Mr. Bowling.
MR. BOWLING: I think you're right.
MR. BOWERMAN: Well, that's fine, but still, we could use that as the determination as to why we want to do
this, correct? Under a liberal interpretation. I mean, if it's significant expense here on the part of the applicant,
based upon a genuine, cloudy method of getting here.
MR. BOWLING: What I hear you saying, sir, is that you think that 15.2-2311(C) is applicable in this situation.
MR. BOWERMAN: Yes.
MR. BOWLING: A mistake was made by the county in issuing this permit, and then making a decision based
upon the Zoning Administrator's determination that's before you today after 60 days had passed since the
permit had been issued?
MR. BOWERMAN: Yes, because I believe that there was — there was a breakdown on the county's part in
communicating to the applicant that there was a substantial difference between — in discussion of this and what
had been prior approved, given a —
MR. BOWLING: There was a substantial difference between the home occupation applied for by the applicant
on the building permit and how the final permit ended up, which led to all this confusion.
MR. BOWERMAN: I think that — I think the county could have been a lot more helpful.
MR. BOWLING: Now of course, the applicant could have gotten a survey right from the beginning, and maybe
we wouldn't be here today at all, but that's "Monday morning quarterback."
MR. BOWERMAN: We are where we are. Anyway, that's what — if you could come up with the phraseology,
that's what I would propose as a motion.
MR. BOWLING: Well, I'm kind of making it up as I go along. I'm not trying to put words in your mouth.
MR. BOWERMAN: Well, you're trying to make it sustainable.
MR. BOWLING: Well, I want your decision is to grant the applicant — the decision before you is the applicant
is requesting relief from the decision of the Zoning Administrator finding that he could not use his existing
structure as a home office because it was an accessory use, and the setbacks were not met. Is that correct?
MR. BOWERMAN: That is my intention, yes.
MR. BOWLING: Alright. And you want to sustain that application of the applicant, correct?
MR. BOWERMAN: I do want to sustain the application.
MR. BOWLING: So that's what you want to make as your motion?
18
MR. BOWERMAN: Yes.
MR. BOWLING: And then help me out here, too, before you go further. Even if you sustain the application, as
I understand it, the applicant will still have to go back and get the home occupation approval and go through
that process.
MR. BOWERMAN: I don't know about that. You could help us with that.
MR. BOWLING: That's what I don't know for certain, either. Maybe staff can help me out. I don't think you
ever went through the process of that. Bart, am I making sense as to what I'm trying to say?
MR. SVOBODA: Yeah, the application was applied for and denied.
MR. BOWLING: And denied, but you never got to the determination whether you should put conditions on the
home occupation, and so forth and so on.
MR. SVOBODA: It's an administrative approval, so we wouldn't —
MR. BOWLING: So you wouldn't do that.
MR. SVOBODA: Yeah, we wouldn't condition it when it is black or white. Either it meets the 25 feet or it
doesn't.
MR. BOWLING: So it either meets it or it doesn't. Okay. So I just confused the issue. I apologize.
MR. BOWERMAN: This is a place to get rid of the confusion.
MR. BOWLING: So I think I've laid out the motion for you. Madam Secretary, is that clear enough for you to
follow?
MS. ALLEY: I won't be transcribing this.
MR. BOWLING: Who is going to — who can read back what I've said?
MS. ALLEY: We don't have anything written to restate what you've said.
MR. BOWLING: Well then, you need a motion to grant the appeal of the applicant in this case, finding relief
appropriate under Virginia Code 15.2-2311(C).
MR. BOWERMAN: And that being the motion, then the exact wording of that can be clarified after it leaves
here. I mean, the exact words that were actually used. Or is that what you are suggesting the words should be?
MR. BOWLING: Well, that's what I would suggest the words to be.
MR. BOWERMAN: Okay. That's fine.
MR. BOWLING: Does the applicant see any problem with that?
MR. MAUS: No sir, Mr. Bowling.
19
MR. SHEPHERD: I want to — does that mean, if we approve that motion, which would be overturning the
Zoning Administrator's determination, does that serve as an approval of the — can we approve a clearance,
approve the use of the building for a major home occupation without having reviewed all the criteria for the
home occupation? I'm a little concerned about that part of this.
MR. BOWLING: That's why I asked the question I did to the Zoning Officer.
MR. ROBB: Mr. Chairman, on that question — Certificate of Occupancy, the detached personal home office. So
we would have to — the county would have to vacate that occupancy, I would think, that certificate.
ILINMiIa9ad.7oil 61,re,
MR. BOWLING: I'm not familiar enough with the county procedures.
MR. ROBB: Obviously, if the county has issued an occupancy — Certificate of Occupancy, they would have to
— I mean —
MR. BOWLING: Assuming — well, let's ask the Zoning Administrator for some guidance here.
MR. SVOBODA: So, the Certificate of Occupancies are issued by the Building Official.
MR. BOWLING: No, in the first place —
MR. S VOBODA: That has to deal with building code, so if you change the designation on the Certificate of
Occupancy — don't know if this will, or if this won't. Meaning, if it goes from an accessory residential use to a
commercial use, it may change the code requirements. I am not sure what that means to the applicant or to the
Building Official. So the Building Official is charged with making sure that all applicable regulations are met,
but he's not charged with doing those inspections. He relies on the folks that sign off, like the Health
Department. And when the Health Department says it's okay and your septic is working, that's one of the
applicable regulations. So, if the designator changes, it could change the permit. I do not know what will happen
there.
So again, the Certificate of Occupancy is issued by the Building Official. For the Building Official to revoke a
Certificate of Occpuancy, then the Zoning Administrator or the Health Department would have to revoke their
approval on the permit, and the permit has been issued and approved and CO'ed. So, the permit's not the issue.
The issue is whether or not we can grant a home occupation permit. We're not dealing with the building permit.
We're dealing with the home occupation permit or, as you guys have referred to it, to the zoning clearance.
They are two different things. They are not the same things. One deals with structure, the other deals with use.
MR. MAUS: Mr. Shepherd, I may have about 30 seconds left in my rebuttal, but there have been some
references to the email from Ms. Ragsdale back in September 2017. One of the things you want to look at there
says, "If the structure for home occupation is not yet built, you would need to apply for a building permit. The
home occupation could not be approved until after the structure gets its CO." So, what we did, we built the
building, we applied for the clearance.
I appreciate the consideration the board has given. We think that it's only fair that the board overturn the Zoning
Administrator's decision, grant us the right to use this for something other than just a space that we can occupy
for our personal use. And the Certificate of Occupancy, it does say "Detached personal home office," but it's
20
only special conditions for personal use only. Under this CO, we can't have anybody in our office. They can
modify it or amend it without having to withdraw it or cancel it. The county can do what it wishes to fix this
problem, and we're asking the board to encourage them to do it. Thank you.
MR. SHEPHERD: Thank you.
I think we're all grappling with this.
MR. ROBB: Mr. Chairman, can I make — we don't have a motion.
MR. BOWERMAN: You have a motion before you, but it hasn't been seconded.
MR. SHEPHERD: I think the motion should be boiled down and clarified before —
MR. ROBB: Can I do that?
MR. SHEPHERD: Yes.
MR. ROBB: My motion would be — this is a substitute motion. I would move that this board not uphold the
fmding of the Zoning Administrator related to AP-201900004.
MR. BOWERMAN: You want a reference to the case determination that I based this on originally? A liberal
interpretation of this? Put that in part of your motion — the reference to the decision. I would second that.
MR. BOWLING: So, you withdraw your motion?
MR. BOWERMAN: Yes, I'll accept what Ed's put up
MR. BOWLING: If you add the language —
MR. BOWERMAN: Yes, yes. I think that was the key in your discussion. Relating to us, I think that was key
information that we should use if we're going to do what I suggested, as the rationale for doing it.
MR. SHEPHERD: Is there further discussion? Further discussion from anyone? Or are we prepared to vote? Do
we have a second?
MR. BOWERMAN: I'll second the motion
MR. SHEPHERD: Okay. I would just like to ask the counsel. Jim, I — simple question. Do you think that
overturning the Zoning Administrator's opinion would be within the parameters — within the scope — of 15.2-
2311(C), that that could —
MR. BOWLING: I think you could read it that way. It's in the ballpark. I think you have a paucity of legal
interpretation about what that language means. It seems to be a remedial statute designed for the kind of
situation that you find yourself in here.
I don't think there's any duplicity on the part of the landowner. Nobody's going to go out and set themselves up
for this kind of experience — "So hey, I think we know we can't do this, we're just going to build it instead. And
then when the setback comes up, and says we didn't meet the setback requirements, we're going to appeal to the
21
Zoning Board." I don't think that's what's going on here. The landowners tried to act in good faith, and I think
the county's acted in good faith, too. It was just a — a culmination of errors that occurred throughout the process.
MR. SHEPHERD: I want to say I'm leaning towards this. I had thought earlier that the right path for this was
through the variance process. But I'm thinking now that, with all that has happened, that really is kicking the
can down the road and would wind up having the same discussion again about how we got to this point, without
getting into analyzing variances. So —
MR. BOWLING: I think that's what I concluded, too.
MR. SHEPHERD: There's a lot of criteria that have to be satisfied for the variance where — either with a
variance, or this — either way, we're having to make a decision that is not as neat and bound up in a package as I
would like it to be, either way. So I just want to have said that for the record.
MR. BOWLING: And one thing you've got to realize, and I don't know whether this will help or not, is that the
Board of Zoning Appeals serves a different function than the Zoning Official and the Building Official and the
Board of Supervisors. I think that's important to keep in mind, too, and that doesn't mean that any decision you
make visible is right or wrong, or any decision they make if they don't agree with you and decide to go forward
to challenge it is right or wrong.
MS. JOSEPH: Mr. Chair, I do want to say something. The rural areas are a really important part of Albemarle
County, and if you look through the uses that are allowed, by right, it is — major home occupation is one of
them, but it refers you back to meeting the setbacks. The idea of the rural areas is to promote agricultural use,
and when we're allowing different kinds of commercial activities within the rural areas, I just think it's really,
really important. All we're asking is that you conform to the setbacks.
So, I've been having a really hard time with this. You're going to be allowed to have a commercial activity,
with more traffic than is normal, within a residential area — maybe not so much less than you would on a
working farm, but still, it's keeping that area rural, agricultural, and really kind of focused on those sorts of
activities. So, I've been having a really hard time with this.
MR. SHEPHERD: I think this matter — the hearing is closed and what's before us, I'd rather just — I think we
should punch ahead here.
I'm getting ready to the call the roll, and a — sorry to do this, but I just want to be very clear on what a "yes" or
"no" vote means. The motion, as I understand it, is to overturn the Zoning Administrator's determination. Is that
correct? So, a `yes" is overturning the determination and approving the home occupation.
[A woman away from the mic is audible.]
MR. BOWLING: That's what Mr. Shepherd said.
MR. SHEPHERD: Is that correct?
MR. BOWLING: I mean, what you said — that's what you want to do?
MS. JOSEPH: That's what you just said.
22
MR. SHEPHERD: I mean, if— I thought that's the motion that is before us. The vote, the motion was stated to
overturn the Zoning Administrator's determination? Or is the motion to uphold the Zoning Administrator's
determination?
MR. ROBB: My motion was to not hold the Zoning Administrator's determination.
MR. SHEPHERD: Okay. So the motion is to overturn the determination.
lul: :�tC •�
MR. BOWLING: And a yes vote...
MR. SHEPHERD: Overturn the determination.
MR. BOWLING: Right.
MR. ROBB: In a positive way.
MR. SHEPHERD: Ready to vote? Marsha, please call the roll.
MS. ALLEY: Mr. Robb?
MR. ROBB: Yes.
MS. ALLEY: Mr. Bowerman?
MR. BOWERMAN: Yes.
MS. ALLEY: Ms. Joseph?
MS. JOSEPH: No.
MS. ALLEY: Mr. Shepherd?
MR. SHEPHERD: Yes. So that is our decision. I'm going to think about this one a long time.
Thank you for the consideration that folks have given to this. I hope this doesn't happen again, for everyone's
sake here in the room.
4. Approval of Minutes
A. June 4, 2019
Mr. Robb said that regarding the minutes, it says, "At this time, the BZA did not adjourn a special meeting, but
moved directly into the regular meeting." He asked if this was, in any way, a problem.
Mr. Shepherd replied no, pointing out that there was a statement they voted on that said that they only discussed
matters that were proper to be held in a closed meeting.
Mr. Robb asked if the statement could be deleted from the minutes.
23
Mr. Bowling said he was not following.
Mr. Robb again read the statement and asked if there was a reason why this couldn't be deleted.
Mr. Bowling said it seemed clear that the BZA went from a specially -called meeting into a regular session. He
suggested that this was perhaps a better way to describe it.
Ms. Alley asked if the correction could be restated.
Mr. Shepherd asked Mr. Robb how he would like the statement to read.
Mr. Robb answered that he would like the sentence to be eliminated from the minutes.
Ms. Joseph asked if that meeting needed to be adjourned, remarking that she had thought this had been done.
Mr. Bowling said the BZA came out of the executive session and that he also thought they adjourned that
meeting.
Mr. Robb said he thought they adjourned as well, but that the minutes did not say so.
Mr. Shepherd asked if the word "not" could be eliminated so that the sentence would read, "At this time, the
BZA did adjourn the special meeting and moved directly into the regular meeting."
Mr. Bowling asked about who transcribes the minutes.
Ms. Alley said they use a transcription service and that the reporting is then sent to Beth Golden, who sends her
them the Word document.
Mr. Shepherd asked, with the elimination of "not," if there was a motion to approve the minutes.
MOTION: Mr. Bowerman moved to approve the minutes as presented. Mr. Robb seconded the motion, which
passed unanimously (4-0).
5. Old Business
Mr. Shepherd said there had been talk before about BZA training and certification. He said that Mike Chandler
was still perhaps holding classes as part of VAZO. He said there was also talk about some word from the
County Attorney's Office about appointing the BZA to good parts of the Land Use Law handbook. He asked if
further consideration had been made on this.
Mr. Svoboda replied that Mr. Chandler was not teaching anymore, to his knowledge. He said that there had
been discussion about going away to training, but that this idea was not popular with the BZA. He said some in-
house training could be held with the counsel present involving a work session to review the Land Use Law
Handbook. He said staff was more than willing to do this in conjunction with himself, the County Attorney, and
the board's counsel.
Mr. Shepherd expressed that individually, the board members all brought with them their own experience and
talents. He said that the experience of undergoing training together would be a positive thing for the board and
would help them with their analysis, as well as with strengthening their processes. He said he was in favor of
24
the training and liked the idea of reducing the scope of the training to allow it to happen in town. He noted his
appreciation for Mr. Bowling, explaining that his presence provides the board with some training on an ongoing
basis.
Mr. Bowling said that the County Attorney had done a good job over the years on monumental work on zoning
law in Virginia, and that this information was all on the County Attorney's website and that it is updated
regularly. He expressed the information was extremely helpful and would be to the BZA as well.
Mr. Shepherd said that Greg Kamptner did a good job on this as well, adding that the information was referred
to and used throughout the Commonwealth. He said that he and Mr. Svoboda could discuss this further, as well
as anyone else who wanted to be included, so that they could come up with more of a definite plan for the next
meeting.
6. New Business
There was no new business.
7. Adjournment
At 3:37 p.m., Mr. Robb moved to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Bowerman seconded the motion, which passed
unanimously (4-0).
(Recorded by Marsha Alley and transcribed by Beth Golden)
Respectfully Submitted,
David Bowerman, Secretary Board of Zoning Appeals
25
a
COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE
Department of Community Development
401 McIntire Road, North Wing
Charlottesville, Virginia 22902-4596
Phone (434) 296-5832 Fax (434) 972-4126
ALBEMARLE COUNTY BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
COUNTY OFFICE BUILDING
401 MCINTIRE ROAD
LANE AUDITORIUM, 2:00 P.M
AGENDA
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2019
Call to Order
2. Establish a Quorum
3. Public Hearing:
A. Project Number: AP201900004 Bufton & Maus TMP 50 - 49
Property Owner/Appellant: Evelyn Bufton and John R. Maus
Staff: Bart Svoboda/Kevin McCollum
4. Approval of Minutes
A. June 4, 2019
5. Old Business
6. New Business
7. Adjournment
BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS MEETING GUIDELINES
Thank you for attending the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) meeting. The following information is
provided to help ensure the meeting proceeds as efficiently and effectively as possible. As a courtesy
to others, please turn off all cell phones during the meeting.
General Information:
This meeting is recorded and later transcribed into minutes approved at a later meeting date
Each item set for public hearing will begin with a presentation of the staff report. Next, the applicant
or appellant for that item will be invited to speak. During the course of the process, the Chairman will
open the public hearing to comments from the public. At the end of these proceedings the Chairman
will announce that the public hearing is closed. Once the public hearing is closed, no further public
comments will be allowed unless the Board asks for additional information from the applicant or
appellant.
The BZA reserves the right to digress from these guidelines in any particular case.
To Members of the Public:
If you wish to address the Board, please raise your hand or stand when the Chairman asks for public
comments for that item. When it is your turn for comment, please come to the microphone and state
your name for the record. For uncommon spellings, please spell your name for the recording
secretary. If you are with a group of people, you may want to have a spokesperson present your
position to the Board.
In order to give all speakers equal treatment and courtesy, the Board requests that speakers adhere
to the following guidelines:
• Come forward to the speaker's podium and state your name;
• Address comments directly to the Board as a whole - open public debate is prohibited;
• State your position and give facts and other data to back it up — keep in mind that there is a 3
minute time limit for public comment;
• Give written statements and other supporting material to the Recording Secretary
(written comments are also welcome if you do not wish to speak).
Additional Guidelines for Applicants and Appellants addressing the Board:
• Please contact staff in Community Development ahead of the meeting to make any necessary
arrangements for your presentation. The Recording Secretary will also need copies of any
• Be clear in stating your position and do not repeat information that has been previously
submitted to the Board.
• Stay on topic by addressing the questions in the application or by responding directly to staffs
determination(s). Focus on presenting facts and data that support your position.
• Keep in mind there is a 15 minute time limit for presentations and a 5 minute time limit for
rebuttal comments. The Board will ask any necessary follow-up questions to clarify points
made during the presentation.
• Understand that the Board of Zoning Appeals cannot change County ordinances.
The BZA reserves the right to place additional time limitations on speakers, as necessary.
Phone (434) 296-5832
COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE
Department of Community Development
401 McIntire Road, North Wing
Charlottesville, Virginia 22902-4596
Memorandum
Fax (434) 972-4126
To: Members of the Board of Zoning Appeals
From: Kevin McCollum, Planner and Designee to the Zoning Administrator
Division: Zoning
Subject: Preliminary Package for AP-2019-004 'Burton & Maus"
Board of Zoning Appeals - October 1, 2019 Meeting
Date: September 10, 2019
To Whom It May Concern:
This memorandum serves as cover sheet and provides information on all of the items included
in the AP-2019-4 Preliminary Package. This appeal is scheduled for the Board of Zoning
Appeals on October 1, 2019.
Preliminary Package Items:
1. RE: HO2019-00233 Major Home Occupation Clearance - Bufton and Maus, PLC
This letter, written on July 30, 2019, informed the applicant that the above referenced Zoning
Clearance could not be approved at the time because the structure did not comply with the
primary structure setbacks for the Rural Areas zoning district.
2. Clearance Application
A copy of the Major Home Occupation Clearance Application - HO201900233.
3. Applicant Submittal
This preliminary package includes all of the information the Applicant provided with their appeal
application.
4. Map
A map of the subject property, 7380 Gordonsville Road.
September 10, 2019
AP2019-4 Preliminary Package
Page 2
5. Section 5.2A of the Zoning Ordinance
This section of the Zoning Ordinance provides the regulations for Home Occupation Clearances
in the Rural Areas zoning district.
6. Section 10.4 of the Zoning Ordinance
This section of the Zoning Ordinance provides the area and bulk regulations for the Rural Areas
zoning district.
COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE
Department of Community Development
401 McIntire Road, North Wing
Charlottesville, Virginia 22902-4596
Phone (434) 296-5832 Fax 1434) 972-4126
July 30, 2019
John R. Maus
7380 Gordonsville Rd
Gordonsville. VA 22942
RE: HO2019-00233 Major Home Occupation Clearance - Bufton and Maus, PLC
Parcel ID 05000-00-00-04900 (2.40 Acres) (the "Property"), 7380 Gordonsville Rd, Gordonsville,
VA 22942
Mr. Maus:
In response to your request for a Major Home Occupation Clearance for the above referenced
Property in the Rural Areas, please be advised of the following:
Based on the information provided with the application and the site inspection conducted on
June 13, 2019 the accessory structure on the Property, proposed with building permit B2017-
02431 NNR, does not meet the applicable setback and yard requirements for primary structures
required by Section 5.2A(c). Thus, the noted accessory structure cannot be used for the
proposed Major Home Occupation until it is determined to comply with the primary structure
setbacks for the Rural Areas zoning district. Therefore, in accordance with Albemarle County
Code § 18-5.2A(c) and Albemarle County Code § 18-31.5(b) the above referenced Major Home
Occupation Clearance cannot be approved at this time.
Additionally, if the proposed Major Home Occupation operates on the Property without an
approved Zoning Clearance it will be considered in violation and subject to Albemarle County
Code § 18-36.
If you are aggrieved by this determination, you have a right to appeal it within thirty (30) days of
this notice, in accordance with Virginia Code § 15.2-2311. If you do not file a timely appeal, this
determination shall be final and unappealable.
An appeal may be taken only by filing an appeal application with the Zoning Administrator and
the Board of Zoning Appeals, in accordance with Albemarle County Code § 18-34.3, along with
a fee of $258. Additionally, a separate fee is required for the cost of providing notice and
advertising of the appeal for a public hearing.
Applications for Appeal of the Zoning Administrator's Determination are available at the
Department of Community Development located at 401 McIntire Road, Charlottesville, Virginia
22902 or online at www.albemarle.org/cdaoos. This form applies to the appeal of a decision of
the zoning administrator or any other administrative officer pertaining to the Zoning Ordinance.
July 30, 2019
HO201900233
Page 2
Regulations pertaining to the filing of an appeal to the Board of Zoning Appeals are located in
Chapter 18, Section 34.3 of the Zoning Ordinance. They may be reviewed online at
www.albemarle.org/countycodebza.
(Please note that our online documents are in Adobe Acrobat PDF format and must be viewed
with the Adobe Acrobat Reader or an equivalent. A link to download the free plug-in is available
at the bottom of www.albemarle.org/cdar)ps.)
Please contact me if you have questions or require additional information.
Sincerely,
A� r1A&4ef__
Kevin McCollum
Planner
Authorized Designee to the Zoning Administrator
Attachments:
Links shown can be copied and pasted into web browser
Albemarle County Code § 18-5 (See Section 5.2A for Major Home Occupation requirements)
httl)://www.albemarle.org/upload/images/Forms Center/Departments/County Attorney/Forms/AI
bemarle County Code Ch18 ZoningO5 Supplement Regulations.pdf
Albemarle County Code § 18-31 (See Section 31.5 for Zoning Clearance requirements)
httl)://www.albemarle.org/upload/images/Forms Center/Departments/County Attorney/Forms/AI
bemarle County Code Ch18 Zoning31 Admin Enforcement.pdf
Albemarle County Code § 18-10 - Area and Bulk Regulations Sec. 10.4 ("applicable setback
and yard requirements for primary structures" ref. 5.2A(c))
htti)://www.albemarle.org/upload/images/Forms Center/Departments/County Attorney/Forms/AI
bemarle County Code Ch18 Zoning10 Rural Areas.pdf
Albemarle County Code § 18-36
httl)://www.albemarle.org/upload/images/Forms Center/Departments/County Attorney/Forms/AI
bemarle County Code Ch18 Zoning36 Violations.pdf
FOR OFFICE
USE ONLY �( (" { �� HO # I/ lul Iyv v — - 2
Fee Amounl $y' l ' Date Paid ( By who? � MC(-N/' Receipt # I�Ck# I ( S
it
Application for Major Home Occupation Clearance
(Only for parcels in the Rural Areas Zoning District)
Major Home Occupation Clearance = $27.00 + applicable fees
This application may require additional review by the Fire Marshal. Fees in addition to those shown on this application may be required
by the Fire Prevention Code Fee Schedule. A copy of the schedule is available from the Fire Marshal
Home Occupation, Major: An occupation, not expressly prohibited by section 5.2A, conducted for profit within a dwelling
unit solely by one or more members of the family residing within the dwelling unit and up to two (2) additional persons not
residing within the dwelling unit, with or without the use of accessory structures; provided that nothing herein prohibits the
occupation from engaging other persons who work off -site and do not come to the dwelling unit or to any accessory structure
to engage in the occupation.
Applicant MUST HAVE the following information to apply:
1) Tax Map and Parcel Number (or Address) and a description of the Home Occupation.
2) A Floor Plan Sketch on the next page with the following:
a) The total square footage of the dwelling;
b) The square footage of area within the home being used for the occupation
(note this cannot be more than 25% of the gross square footage of the dwelling).
3) If applicable, a survey, plat, or aerial map showing accessory structures and parking associated with the
home occupation. The GIS Web enables easv viewine and Drintine of aerial mans.
Name of Business: 6'a-I h-4 101'z
Type of Business: aznw w/) Tax map and parcel: 05wo-00— oC7—c-;4UU
Contact
tPPerson
�(Who should we call/write concerning this project?): \/(%/�///PC �• /"V'I &ate ' /A
Address f l74 Gy �Sl��,l.,P/ /(„Et �7 Ciryl/.�J��C/�/�''-f H �` r/� %State /✓1014—Zip
Daytime Phone L�.�7 Fax # (` VO) 06M SA'% 11 E-mail!//A:
-C
Owner of Record tcl�Z(N N ArN 'ti—?l 1 f �lt-)h /1 P424 V ivYvld /
Address
Daytime Phone
Fax # ()
State Zip
DESCRIPTION OF USE (If necessary, attach an additional sheet. Include information about the number of vehicles and
number of employees associated with the use, hours of operation, use of accessory structures, etc.):
Zst_, -- Z "
County of Albemarle Department of Community Development
401 McIntire Road Charlottesville, VA 22902 Voice: (434) 296-5832 Fax: (434) 972-4126
4/23/2018 Page I of
Each major home occupation authorized in the Rural Areas zoning district is subject to the following:
UNDERSTAND THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS CLEARANCE
V1 LOCATION & AREA
This home occupation shall be conducted within the dwelling unit or accessory structures, or both, provided that not
more than twenty-five (25) percent of the gross floor area of the dwelling unit shall be used for the home occupation and
further provided that the cumulative area used for the home occupation, including the gross floor area within the dwelling
unit or any accessory structure and the area used for outdoor storage as provided in section 5.2A(g), shall not exceed one
thousand ve hundred (1500) square feet. Plants that are planted in the ground that are to be used for a major home
Zoccup ion do not count toward the one thousand five hundred (1500) square feet limitation. [Section 5.2A (b) (1)]
EXTERIOR APPEARANCE
There shall be no change in the exterior appearance of a dwelling unit or other visible evidence of the conduct of the
home occupation, except that one home occupation sign may be erected as authorized by section 4.15. Accessory
structures shall be similar in facade to a single-family dwelling, private garage, shed, barn or other structure normally
expected in a residential area and shall be specifically compatible in design and scale with other residential development
in the area ' hich it is located. Any accessory structure that does not conform to the applicable setback and yard
require nts for primary structures shall not be used for a home occupation. [Section 5.2A (c) (1)]
ZISITORS & SALES
Customers, clients and students are permitted to visit the property where the home occupation is conducted. Only goods
that are hand-crafted on -site and goods that are directly related to the home occupation, including but not limited to tools
for pottery making and frames for artwork are permitted to be for sale to customers who comes to the site.
[sectio .2A (d) (1)]
TRAFFIC Hov man trip, Per 14vg. ahONf vtC ctisfaherS
The traffic generated by the home occupation shall not exceed ten (10) vehicle round trips per day or more than thirty
(30) vehicle round trips per week. For the purposes of this section, a "vehicle round trip" means one vehicle entering and
,e_xiiting the site. [Section 5.2A (e)]
It 'FA NG to c vt� o, cAc- ^ O nl
All vehicles used in the home occupation and all vehicles of employees, customers, clients or students related to the
home occupation shall be parked on -site. [Section 5.2A (f)]
UTDOORSTORAGE
The storage of goods, products, equipment other than vehicles used in the home occupation, or any materials associated
with the hope, occupation, other than natural landscaping materials such as mulch and plants, outside of an enclosed
s[ructur prohibited. ]Section 5.2A (g)]
HOURS OF OPERATION It/�a+`re ire +tPicaf (IOW_T ?
The home occupation may operate up to six (6) days per week and the hours of operation shall be between 7:00 a.m. and
8:00 p.m. for those home occupations that have employees, customers, clients or students visiting the site.
,].S.ecti�on 5.2A (h)]
LKNUMBER OF VEHICLES
The number of vehicles that may be used in the home occupation that are parked or stored on -site shall not exceed two
(2) motor vehicles and two (2) trailers. [Section 5.2A (i)]
R UMBER OF HOME OCCUPATIONS
More than one home occupation is permitted on a parcel, provided that the area occupied and the traffic generated by the
home occupations shall be considered cumulatively and all requirements of this section shall apply. [Section 5.2A (j)]
Major Home Occupation Clearance 4/23/2018 Page 2 of 4
0-PMUrORMANCE STANDARDS
The home occupation shall comply with the performance standards in section 4.14. [Section 5.2A (k)]
Does the use involve procedures, machinery or chemicals that may cause the following?
NOISE
VIBRATION
GLARE
HEAT
AIR POLLUTION
WATER POLLUTION
RADIOACTIVITY
ELECTRICAL DISTURBANCE
NON -DOMESTIC WASTE DISCHARGED TO A SEPTIC FIELD OR SEWER
IIff S, then applicable standards must be addressed with a Certified Engineer's Report (available from staff).
O PROHIBITED USES
(1) any use requiring a special use permit under section (10) shooting ranges
10.2.2
(2) animal rescue centers
(3) automobile graveyards
(4) restaurants
(11) commercial stables
(12) rummage or garage sales other than those
determined by the zoning administrator to be
occasional
(5) storage yards
(13) veterinary clinics or hospitals
(6) gun sales, unless the guns are made on -site by one or
(14) pyrotechnic (fireworks or bomb) device
more family members residing within the dwelling unit
manufacturing or sale
(7) on -site pet grooming
(15) Any other use not expressly listed that is
(8) body shops
determined by the zoning administrator to be contrary
(9) equipment, trailers, vehicles or machinery rentals
to the purpose and intent of section 5.2A.
,jSection .2A (1)]
Ly'NOTIFICATIONS & INSPECTIONS I w I" � e- 5e4 tly tl , S Ov+ 5 L c,/f-17
Written notice that an application for a zoning clearance for a major home bccupation has been submitted will be sent to
the owner of each abutting parcel under different ownership than the parcel on which the proposed home occupation
would be located. The notice will identify the proposed home occupation, its size, its location, and whether there is a
request for a waiver or modification. The notice shall invite the recipient to submit any comments before the zoning
clearance is acted upon. The notice shall be mailed at least five (5) days prior to the action on the zoning clearance as
provided in section 32.4.2.5. In addition, a public notice sign will posted on the property for the duration of the review.
[Section .2A (n)]
ZIGNAGE A-nj "Tiage ?
One sign that does not exceed four) (4) square feet in sign area and only states the name of the person occupying the
dwelling and identifies the product or service offered by the home occupation is permitted. No additional permit is
required for this ign, however, it must not exceed 6 ft. in height and must be setback at least 5 ft. from the public road
=DDITIONAL
Section 4.15.2 (25) and 4.15.81
IMPROVEMENTS AND REVIEWS FROM OTHER AGENCIES
A zoning clearance shall not be issued if, after review of any site, additional improvements are necessary to protect
public health or safety. (Section 31.5 (c)]
Other state and local resources, including but not limited to the Health Department, Virginia Department of
Transportation, Building Official, and County Engineer are commonly asked to comment on Home Occupation
applications.
Major Home Occupation Clearance 4/23/2018 Page 3 of
WAIVERS OR MODIFICATIONS MAY BE SOUGHT ONLY FOR THE FOLLOWING•
AREA
The area requirements in section 5.2A(b) may be waived or modified, provided that the waiver or modification shall not
authorize the home occupation to occupy more than forty-nine (49) percent of the gross floor area of the dwelling. In granting
a waiver or modification of the area requirement, the commission shall make the following findings in addition to those
findings in section 5.1: (1) the nature of the home occupation requires storage or additional space within the dwelling unit to
conduct the home occupation; (2) the primary use of the dwelling unit as a residence is maintained; and (3) the waiver or
modification would not change the character of the neighboring agricultural area or the residential neighborhood.
[Section 5.2A (m) (1)]
TRAFFIC
The traffic limitation in section 5.2A (e) may be waived or modified. In granting a waiver or modification of the traffic
limitation, the commission shall find, in addition to those findings in section 5.1, that the waiver or modification would not
change the character of the neighboring agricultural area or the residential neighborhood.
]Section 5.2A (m) (2)]
REVIEW PROCESS AND ADDITIONAL FEES
WITHOUT WAIVER REQUEST ($27 + notice fees)
WITH A SPECIAL EXCEPTION ($27 + $457 + notice
fees
1. Submit Home Occupation application ($27).
1. Submit Home Occupation application and Waiver
2. Staff will review for completion and mail abutting
application ($25 + $457).
owner notification (Fee varies based on number of
2. Staff will review for completion and mail abutting
letters).
owner notification (Fee varies based on number of
3. Staff will visit property to post public notice sign,
letters).
review parking areas, proposed location of sign, and
3. Staff will visit property to post public notice sign,
storage areas (if applicable).
review parking areas, proposed location of sign, and
4. Staff will approve application if requirements have
storage areas (if applicable).
been met and pick-up public notice sign.
4. Staff will coordinate date of next available Planning
Commission meeting to process special exception
5. Staff will approve application if requirements have
been met andpick-up public notice sign.
Owner/Applicant Must Read and Sign
I hereby apply for approval to conduct the Home Occupation identified above, and certify that this address is my legal
residence. I also certi at I have read the restrictions on Home Occupations, that I understand them, and that I will abide
by them, is certi onunction with a business license, represents zoning approval to conduct the Major Home
Occupa ' iM/0/
�n
V G
igna a of Applicant Date
Official
Official
Zoning Official
ENGINEER'S REPORT ATTACHED: YES NO
Date
Date
Date
Major Home Occupation Clearance 4/23/2018 Page 4 of
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1—i-1 q Plans7F m ,am,/, OFFICE
Albemarle County
Planning Application
Community Development
401 McIntire Road Charlottesville. VA2:
Voice: (434) 296-5932 Fax : (434)
1411 UOUuu-Uu-UU-U4900 I Owner(s):IBUFTON,
EVELYN & JOHN R MAUS
Application # AP201900004
IL
PROPERTY INFORMATION
Legal Description ACREAGE
w
Magisterial Dist. Rivanna p Land Use Prima,; Residential -- Single-family (incl.
modular homes
Current AFD Not in A/F District n Current Zoning Primary Rural Areas
_. .__.
APPLICATION INFORMATION
-
S d 7360 G
treetA dress
ORDONSVILLE RD GORDONSVILLE, 22942
Entered By
Application Type
---
(Appeal of Zoning Administrator's Determination
.. _
.
Buck Smith y,•
t—
_... _—_
1 1 2019
Project
EVELYN BUFTON AND JOHN R MAUS
Received Date
Closing File Date
08/12/19
Received Date Final Submittal Date
Submittal Date Final
OB/12/19 Total
Total
Fees 258
Paid 258
Revision Number
Comments
Legal Ad
t
BUFrON EVELYN&JOHNR
PVAPF+r
]§CK MAUS
- '
EVELYN SUFrON %IND JOHN
F
.... ..__ ...
P.D. BOX GORDONSVILLE 2e942 54069430..06
Signature of Contactor or Authorized Agent Date
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY AP # U / J�DOOO'/ SIGN #
ZONING ORDINANCE SECTION:
� r�-
Fee Amount $�.�� Date Paidr/6 /z / By wfio? Jig r10- /'f �y '%t(S / p ,/ C Receipt # Ckd By;
Application for I 6541.14
Appeal of Zoning Administrator's Determination
m Appeal of Zoning Administrator's Determination = S258
FEES to be paid after staff review for Public notice:
Appeals of the Zoning Administrator require a public hearing by the Board of Zoning Appeals.
Virginia State Code requires that notice for public hearings be made by publishing a legal
advertisement in the newspaper and by mailing letters to adjacent property owners.
The total fee for public notice will be provided to the applicant after the final cost is determined and
must be paid before the application is heard by a public body. Staff estimates the total cost of legal
advertisement and adjacent owner notification to be between $350 and $450. This estimate reflects
the average cost of public notice fees, but the cost of certain applications may be higher.
➢ Preparing and mailing or delivering up to fifty (50) notices
$71$
➢ Preparing and mailing or delivering each notice after fifty (50)
$1.08 for each additional notice + actual
cost of first-class postage
➢ Legal advertisement (published twice in the newspaper for each public
Actual cost
hearing)
(averages between $150 and $250)
Contact Person ( Who should we call/write concerning this project?): Jack Maus
Address Post Office Box E City Gordonsville State VA
Zip 22942
Daytime Phone (540) 894-1006 Fax # (540) 406-5911 E-mail lackmauslaw@gmail.com
Owner of Record Evelyn Bufton and John R. "Jack" Maus
Address Post Office Box E
City Gordonsville State VA Zip 22942
Daytime Phone (894) 432-0920 Fax # (540) 406-5911 E-mail ebuftonlaw@gmail.com
Applicant (Who is the Contact person representing?):
Address Post Office Box E
Bufton and John R. Maus
City Gordonsville State VA Zip 22942
Daytime Phone (540) 894-1006 Fax # (540) 406-5911 E-mail jackmauslaw@gmail com
County of Albemarle Department of Community Development
401 McIntire Road Charlottesville, VA 22902 Voice: (434) 296-5832 Fax: (434) 972-4126
Revised 11/I/2015 Page I oft
Project Name: Bufton & Maus Law Office
Tax map and parcel: 050000-00-00-04900
Physical Street Address (if assigned):
7380 Gordonsville Road, Gordonsville, ViMinia 22942
Zoning: rural
Location of property (landmarks, intersections, or other):
Rt. 231 approximately 2 miles north of the intersection with Lindsay Road - across from Fielder's Choice Farm
The following information shall be submitted with the application and is to be provided by the applicant:
1) Completed application including subject of appeal.
2) Justification for applicant's position, including error in Zoning Administrators determination. You may use the space below to
provide this information or submit an attached sheet.
3) If applicable, a copy of the latest deed for the property involved, and the approved and recorded plat.
4) If applicable, the appropriate drawings showing all existing and proposed improvements on the property and any special conditions
for the situation that may justify the appeal.
5) Reference to the relevant Zoning Ordinance section or other applicable regulations or case precedence to justify the appeal.
6) Appropriate fee made payable to the County of Albemarle.
Explanation of error indetermination and justification of applicant's position:
As further explained on the attachment the iusitification for applicants'
position is that (1) they fully disclosed to the Department of Community
Development their intended use for the building, (2) the Department issued a
Building Permit approving the placement of the building (3) the applicants
relied on the Building Permit in locating the building, and(4) the appli-
cants' reliance on the Building Permit and their expenditure of substantial
funds to construct the building is to their detriment if they are unable to
use the building for itpw'ner/Applicant Must Read and Sign intended purpose.
I hereby certify that the information provided on this application and accompanying information is accurate, true
and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.
Date:
Sig of Owner or Contract Purchaser, Agent
�
111rint Name Daytime phone number of Signatory
Board of Zoning Appeals Action/vote:
Board of Zoning Appeals Chairman's signature: Date:
Revised 11/1/2015 Page 2 of 2
ATTACHMENT TO APPLICATION FOR APPEAL OF
ZONING ADMINISTRATOR'S DETERMINATION
Background
When the applicants applied for a building permit, they submitted a copy of the
architectural plans for the structure, which called for a building of approximately 1000
square feet with 2 offices, a conference room, a bathroom and a small kitchenette. The
applicants' clear intention was to use the building as a law office and to meet there with
clients and other professionals incidental to their law practice. The Department of
Community Development (hereinafter, "the Department") issued a building permit that
required the building to be set back only 6 feet from the side property line. A copy of the
building permit is attached as Exhibit 1.
The foundation for the building was staked out so that it is parallel to the residence
rather than the side property line. So, at its nearest point, the building is set back 14 feet
away from the side property line. At its furthest point, the building exceeds the 25 foot side
setback requirement.
When the foundation was staked, the applicants asked the Department to send a
representative to visit the site to make sure that the stakes were properly placed. When that
representative said that the location was correct, the applicants constructed the building in
that precise location. The building was constructed in full compliance with the Statewide
Building Code as enacted by Albemarle County and has passed the final inspection. The
applicants have been told by the Department of Community Development that they are
entitled to a Certificate of Occupancy.' Indeed, within hours after the final construction
inspection was done, the County's Tax Assessor visited the property to ascertain its effect on
an increased property tax assessment. Now, the Zoning Administrator has determined that
he cannot approve a Major Home Occupation Clearance because the entire building is not set
back 25 feet from the side property line.
1 The Department has indicated to the applicants that, although the building has been completed in full
compliance with the building code, the Department has, at the time of filing of this Application, withheld the
Certificate of Occupancy because it did not want to influence the zoning process. Those are two entirely
different issues and the Department's refusal to issue a Certificate of Occupancy under these circumstances is
arbitrary and capricious.
1
Case Precedent to Support the Appeal
The applicants have been unable to find any legal precedent that precisely deals with
this situation. However, there are other legal precedents that are instructive about the
appropriate resolution of this appeal.
The law in Virginia is clear that, if one person relies on the representations of another
to their detriment, the person making the representation is prevented (or estopped) from
later taking a different position. Allowing one party to change positions under certain
circumstances would be unfair. That's why the doctrine is called "equitable estoppel."
In Stewart v. Lady, 251 Va. 106, 465 S.E.2d 782 (1996), the Supreme Court of Virginia
To establish equitable estoppel, it is not necessary to show actual fraud
but only that the person to be estopped has misled another to his prejudice
(internal citation omitted) or that the innocent part acted in reliance upon the
conduct or misstatement by the person to be estopped. Khoury v. Memorial
Hospital, 203 Va. 236, 123 S.E.2d 533 (1962) ....Elements necessary to
establish equitable estoppel, absent a showing of fraud and deception, are a
representation, reliance, a change of position, and detriment. 251 Va. at 112-
113, 465 S.E.2d at 785.
All of those elements necessary to prove equitable estoppel are present in the
applicants' case:
• There was a representation (that the side setback was only 6 feet),
• The applicants relied on the representation,
• The applicants changed their position (they spend over $120,000.00 to build the
office where it was permitted), and
• The applicants have suffered a detriment (that the County will not allow them to use
the building for its intended purpose).
The principle of equitable estoppel applies to zoning issues as well. In Chapel Creek,
Ltd. V. Mathews County, 12 Va. Cir 350 (1988), a developer had acquired a parcel of land on
which he intended to build a 6-unit apartment building. He received approval for that and,
when he learned that the County was going to enact an ordinance that prevented expansion
2
of that project, took additional steps to increase the size of his project before the ordinance
became effective. When the Zoning Administrator denied the building permit for the
expanded project, the developer sued and lost. However, the Court said this:
The doctrine of equitable estoppel provides that the right to use or
develop land cannot be infringed upon by legislative action when the owner
or developer of such land has in good faith relied upon some act or failure to
act by a governmental body and made a substantial change in position.
(Internal citations omitted) ...[A] property owner may acquire a valid
nonconforming use or acquire a vested right to complete construction of a
nonconforming building where, in good faith and in reliance upon a validly
issued building permit, the property owner has begun substantial
construction or has incurred substantial expenses relating directly to the
construction. (internal citations omitted) The most obvious missing link in
petitioner's case is the threshold government act, the issuance of a building
permit. 12 Va. Cir. At 353.
Unlike the developer in Chapel Creek, the applicants in this case had a validly issued
building permit and constructed the building in accordance therewith. The applicants have
finished construction of the building as it was permitted and, as indicated above, have spent
in excess of $120,000.00 to do so. As a result, Albemarle County is estopped from denying
the applicants a zoning clearance.
Furthermore, the Supreme Court of Virginia, in Lee v. City of Norfolk, 281 Va. 423, 706
S.E.2d 330 (2011) applied language from Jones v. Board of Governors, 704 F.2d 713 (4th Cir.
1983) in which that Court said:
[S]ignificant departures from stated procedures of government and
even from isolated assurances by governmental officers which have induced
reasonable and detrimental reliance may, if sufficiently unfair and prejudicial,
constitute procedural due process violations. 281 Va. at 436.
The decision of the Zoning Administrator is so unfair and prejudicial that it violates
the applicants' due process rights under both Article 1, §11 of the Constitution of Virginia,
and under the Sth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States as made applicable to
the States through the 14th Amendment.
Finally, it appears that the Zoning Administrator takes the position that the setback
requirements in Code §18-10.4 are mandatory. However, the heading at the top of the
setback table merely says that "Area and bulk regulations within the RA, rural areas, zoning
3
district are as follows:" That's not enough to make the setback requirement mandatory.
Even if the word "shall" could be inferred from the ordinance, the Supreme Court of Virginia
has recently ruled that "shall" is not always mandatory, but that it can also be directory.
Rickman v. Commonwealth, 294 Va. 531, 808 S.E.2d 395 (2017). In fact, the Court said that:
Under Virginia law, the use of the term "shall" in a statute is generally
construed as directory, rather than mandatory, and, consequently, no specific,
exclusive remedy applies unless the states manifests a contrary intent.
(internal citations omitted). 294 Va. at 539.
In fact, one of the decisions cited in Rickman, was Tran v. Board of Zoning Appeals, 260
Va. 654, 536 S.E.2d 913 (2000). In Tran, the Board of Zoning Appeals issued a ruling outside
of the 90-day period prescribed by Virginia Code §15.2-2312. The Supreme Court of Virginia
ruled that the word "shall" in the statute was directory, not mandatory so that a BZA decision
outside the 90-day limit was valid.
As indicated above, the County Assessor has determined that the structure adds value
to the property. The Department of Community Development recently visited the property
and assigned the office building a separate 911 address. The applicants were told that, so
long as the building was going to be visited by third parties, it needed a separate 911 address
in case of an emergency. The applicants don't understand why the County needs to plan for
the presence of third parties if the applicants are not allowed to have them in the building.
In summary, for all of the reasons set forth above, the applicants submit that the
decision of the Zoning Administrator to deny them a Major Home Occupation approval was
incorrect and should be reversed by the Board of Zoning Appeals.
4 County of Albemarle Communit/ Development Department
'I'� �� 401 Mclntire Road Charlottesville,VA22902.45?8
Voice: (434) 295-5832 Fax: (434) 972-4125
t. BUJLDiNG PERNT - Page I
1ty QA,
Acres 2.40
Primary iRural Areas
Zoning... _ _.. _.-.... _..
Building Permit-2431—NNR.vt 1v
5u6 Application Ty Storage m mg/accessory structure (new orEj
Street Address: 7380T,6 VILLE RD GORDONSVILLE, 22942
UILDING WORKINFORMATICIN
_ Work Class Frame Type I Water Supply T -e Se
IV ew Wood 'Cartesian Well - -'Private
'A'ork Valuation Jurisdictional Area Other Foot; Found. Desc.:
$ 48,000.00 Mo Service
'Rork NEW STRUCTURE FOR HOME OFFICE
Description:
Entered By: Jennifer Smith on 1011812017
Associated Building
Permit
el,
Directions ' 7380 GORDONSVILLE RD
Legal I ACREAGE
Description:
Use Group �� Construction Type
Square Footages: ff of Stories
1 Porches 504 Unfinished Basement
lit Floor 792 Decks Other Unfinished
2nd Floor Garage Total Unfinished Sq,
3rd Floor Swimming Pool Footaoe
Finished Basement
Other Habitable
Total Habitable Sq. Footage Total Building Sq. Footage
L—_Set Backs: Zoning Pre -Construction? Land Use? Ir
-- Front 7 5
Back C Fire Alarms Required? Bldg Pre -Construction?
Leh Side = Right Side
Fire Sprinkler flAPA Cod e;'year
Dwelling Units Accessory Structures
I•lobile%Prefab. Homes =
t•lobile Officesl,Prefab. Units
Carports e Bedrooms
Garages
Baths
Kitchens
1.0
Paint Spray Booths
Swimming Pools',Hot
e
Other
Elevator-st,Escalators'%,Elks
Tub sl5pas (Res, Onyl
r rBill!
COMact Type-- Nanee Address
l G7ohn r maus P 0 BOX E
cit.,state
ZiO ('nd + i k al,
Cell
,button,elyn
Gi+wtbt Cant a`u [.lamefownet/agent
r .:,e "-
.... ,_. .......
,�„
....... .......... ;
41,
County of Albemarle
' BUlLDlNG PERMUT -Page 2
Community Development Department
401 Mclntire Road Charlottesville, VA 22902-4595
Voice:(434) 296-5832 Fax :(434) 972-4126
---- — —
TMP DSOOU-00-DU-D490'D Current ,BUFTON, EVELYN & ]DHN R MAUS
Ownerfs
Acres 2.40 Prima9 �RUral Areas I•laior --------
Zonin Subdiv. Acreage
�PPLICATION INFORMATION
Building Permit -1 B200-02431-NNR En tared By. Jennifer Smith on 10/1.81201
Sub Application TyPelStorage building/accessory structure (new orE Associated Building
Permit
___t
Street Address: 7380 GORDONSVILLE D GORDONSVILLE, 22942
R
Separate permits may be required for Electrical, Plumbing, Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning.
This permit becomes null and void if work or construction authorized is not commenced within 6 months, or if construction or work
is suspended or abandoned for a period of 6 months at any time after work is commenced.
I hereby certify that I have read and examined this application and know the same to be true and correct. All provisions of laws
and ordinances governing this type of work will be complied with whether specified herein or not. The granting of a permit does
not presume to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of any other state or local law regulating construction or the
naifnrmanre of rnnctrnrfinn
By signing this building permit, the owner and/or their agent hereby grant employees of the Albemarle County Community
Development Real Estate Departments the right to enter and inspect the subject property Monday through Friday between the
hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., holidays excepted.
If you are not the owner of record, please check which applies:
I certify that I am the agent for BUFTON, EVELYN & JOHN R MAUS
❑ , the Owner, and am authorized to submit this application on behalf of the Owner under the agency granted to me.
I am neither the Owner nor the Owner's agent. I certify that written notice of this application, by providing a copy of this
application, will be mailed to the Owner at the following address
❑ P O BOX E GORDONSVILLE VA 22942
within 10 days of today's date as required by Virginia Code § 15.2-2.204(H). I understand that, if I do not provide the
notice to the Owner as provided herein, the building permit application and every other subsequent approval, permit or
certificate related thereto could be determined to be void.
8ynature of Oviner, Cemrctor or Aa^:orce?Agem Daze
_nr ureof.u7Filn3 Fria or AunftIrzcd Represe- ve p�,e
EL CTRO IC RECORDS STATEMENT: Albemarle County is creating and using electronic records and electronic signatures as
allowed by the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (Virginia Code § 59.1-479 et seq.). As an applicant to the Building Permit
process, you may consent to receive, orhave online access to, electronic records and receive and create records having
electronic signatures related to Building Permits, Correspondence, Inspection Tickets and Certificates of Occupancy (the Buildinq
Please initial here if you AGREE to receive and/or use electronic records and electronic signatures for Building Permit
transactions.
Inhale of Onner. Contractor or A.ufnor¢ed A.garn
Your agreement to conduct Building Permit transactions by electronic means does not preventyou from refusing to conduct other
transactions by electronic means.
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County of Albemarle
Department of Community Development
G' 401 McIntire Road, North Wing
Charlottesville, Virginia 22902 P -,
DATE:
08/05/2019
TO:
BUFTON, EVELYN & JOHN R MAUS
P0BOX E
GORDONSVILLE VA 22942
CC:
Post Office, GORDONSVILLE
FROM:
Geographic Data Services (GDS)
www.albemarle.org/ads
434-296-5832
SUBJECT: Physical Address Notification - NEW CONSTRUCTION
TMP: 05000-00-00-04900
PERMIT#: B2017-02431NNR
PHYSICAL
ADDRESS: 7382 GORDONSVILLE RD
As of the date of this letter, the physical address located at the above Tax Map Parcel (TMP)
and/or Building Permit# is currently in our addressing system.
To ensure proper location by emergency service providers, timely mail delivery, and the accuracy
of other County records, please do the following:
• If applicable, contact your telephone company to ensure this physical address is
associated with your landline telephone number;
Post the address for this structure in accordance with Albemarle County's Road Naming
and Property Numbering Ordinance and Manual;*
To receive mail using this address, contact your post. If this is an address change and
you didn't physically move, do not submit a Change of Address form with the USPS.
Any questions about mail delivery, zip code information, and determining where a
mailbox should be installed, will be handled by the post office;
• If applicable, ensure that your records are up to date with Voter Registration (434-972-
4173), School Transportation (434-973-5716), and the County's Finance Department
(434-296-5851);
• Alert other County and non -County entities (e.g. credit card, utilities, etc.) as
necessary.
Note: any change in your physical address does not require the deed to your property to be re-
recorded at the courthouse.
*The County's Road Naming and Property Numbering Ordinance requires that this physical
address number be posted so it is easily visible from the named street or road. The number
F^ p_cte .:' t:c .., ivc If the ,ilbo. i5 not located directly on the abode
named street or road, the addressnumberand road name must appear on the mailbox. The
numerals displayed should be at least three inches in height ,pn a contrasting background and any
previously displayed numbers, which could be confused with,or.mistaken for the address
assigned, shall be removed from the mailbox and property.
If you should have any questions regarding this physical address, please do not hesitate to
contact our office.
7380 Gordonsville Rd
Legend
(Note: Some Hems on map may not appear In legend)
Parcel Info
❑ Parcels
50-48A
50-49
5 J``\e�d
7380� `aOP
60
50-47
51-7
\�
51-8
188 ft
GIS-Web
IIII ��
Geo,r Data Serh
da
9blo
lter aren'W'Is
aoiMi (4M)2g&5a32
My delerminabon Mtop grapby as mMwrs, or any deplNon M physical Improvements, properly lines w NUMades Is for general lnfmmabon only add shall not be used for the design, mMlPfallon, or mmtruNon M Improvements to real property odor flout plain dele,minallon. June 6, 2019
ALBEAL RLECOUNTYCODE
5.2A HOME OCCUPATIONS IN THE RURAL AREAS ZONING DISTRICT
Each home occupation authorized in the rural areas zoning district shall be subject to the following:
a. Purpose and intent. The purpose for authorizing home occupations in the rural areas zoning
district is to encourage limited home -based economic development, balanced with the need to
protect and preserve the quality and character of the county's agricultural areas and residential
neighborhoods in the rural areas zoning district. The regulations in this section are intended to
ensure that authorized home occupations will be compatible with other permitted uses, the
agricultural areas, and the residential neighborhoods by regulating the scale, hours, external
activities, external appearance and other impacts that may arise from a home occupation.
b. Location and area occupied by a home occupation. A home occupation shall be located and sized
as follows:
1. Major home occupations. A major home occupation shall be conducted within the
dwelling unit or accessory structures, or both, provided that not more than twenty-five
(25) percent of the gross floor area of the dwelling unit shall be used for the home
occupation and further provided that the cumulative area used for the home occupation,
including the gross floor area within the dwelling unit or any accessory structure and the
area used for outdoor storage as provided in section 5.2A(g), shall not exceed one
thousand five hundred (1500) square feet. Plants that are planted in the ground that are to
be used for a major home occupation do not count toward the one thousand five hundred
(1500) square feet limitation.
2. Minor home occupations. A minor home occupation shall be conducted entirely within
the dwelling unit, provided that not more than twenty-five (25) percent of the gross floor
area of the dwelling unit shall be used for the home occupation and further provided that
the gross floor area used for the home occupation shall not exceed one thousand five
hundred (1500) square feet.
C. Exterior appearance. The exterior appearance of a parcel with a home occupation shall be subject
to the following:
1. Major home occupations. There shall be no change in the exterior appearance of a
dwelling unit or other visible evidence of the conduct of a major home occupation, except
that one home occupation sign may be erected as authorized by section 4.15. Accessory
structures shall be similar in fagade to a single-family dwelling, private garage, shed, barn
or other structure normally expected in a residential area and shall be specifically
compatible in design and scale with other residential development in the area in which it
is located. Any accessory structure that does not conform to the applicable setback and
yard requirements for primary structures shall not be used for a home occupation.
2. Minor home occupations. There shall be no change in the exterior appearance of a
dwelling unit or other visible evidence of the conduct of a minor home occupation.
d. Visitors and sales. Visitors and sales related to a home occupation shall be subject to the
following:
1. Major home occupations. Customers, clients and students may visit a major home
occupation. The sale of goods by the major home occupation to a customer who comes
to the site is prohibited except for goods that are hand-crafted on -site and accessory
goods that are directly related to a major home occupation, including but not limited to
tools for pottery making and frames for artwork.
18-5-22.46
Zoning Supplement 4116, 8-7-19
ALBEAL RLECOUNTYCODE
2. Minor home occupations. No customers, clients or students may visit a minor home
occupation for a purpose related to the home occupation. The sale of goods or the
provision of services by the minor home occupation to a customer, client or student at the
site is prohibited.
e. Traffic generated by a major home occupation. The traffic generated by a major home occupation
shall not exceed ten (10) vehicle round trips per day or more than thirty (30) vehicle round trips
per week. For the purposes of this section, a "vehicle round trip" means one vehicle entering and
exiting the site.
f. Parking. All vehicles used in a home occupation and all vehicles of employees, customers, clients
or students related to a major home occupation shall be parked on -site.
g. Outdoor storage. The storage of goods, products, equipment other than vehicles used in a home
occupation, or any materials associated with a home occupation, other than natural landscaping
materials such as mulch and plants, outside of an enclosed structure is prohibited.
h. Days and hours of operation for major home occupations. Major home occupations may operate
up to six (6) days per week and the hours of operation shall be between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
for those home occupations that have employees, customers, clients or students visiting the site.
i. Number of vehicles used in a home occupation. The number of vehicles that may be used in a
home occupation that are parked or stored on -site shall not exceed two (2) motor vehicles and two
(2) trailers.
j. Number of home occupations. More than one home occupation is permitted on a parcel, provided
that the area occupied and the traffic generated by the home occupations shall be considered
cumulatively and all requirements of this section shall apply.
k. Performance standards. All home occupations shall comply with the performance standards in
section 4.14.
Prohibited home occupations. The following uses are prohibited as home occupations: (1) any use
requiring a special use permit under section 10.2.2, (2) animal rescue centers, (3) junkyards; (4)
restaurants; (5) storage yards; (6) gun sales, unless the guns are made on -site by one or more
family members residing within the dwelling unit, (7) on -site pet grooming; (8) body shops, (9)
equipment, trailers, vehicles or machinery rentals, (10) shooting ranges, (11) commercial stables;
(12) rummage or garage sales other than those determined by the zoning administrator to be
occasional; (13) veterinary clinics or hospitals; (14) pyrotechnic (fireworks or bomb) device
manufacturing or sales, and (15) any other use not expressly listed that is determined by the
zoning administrator to be contrary to the purpose and intent of section 5.2A.
in. Waivers and modifications. The waiver or modification of any requirement of section 5.2A is
prohibited except as provided herein:
1. Area. The area requirements in section 5.2A(b) may be waived or modified, provided
that the waiver or modification shall not authorize the home occupation to occupy more
than forty-nine (49) percent of the gross floor area of the dwelling. In granting a waiver
or modification of the area requirement, the commission shall make the following
findings in addition to those findings in section 5.1: (1) the nature of the home occupation
requires storage or additional space within the dwelling unit to conduct the home
occupation, (2) the primary use of the dwelling unit as a residence is maintained, and (3)
the waiver or modification would not change the character of the neighboring agricultural
area or the residential neighborhood.
18-5-22.47
Zoning Supplement 4116, 8-7-19
ALBEMARLE COUNTY CODE
2. Traffic. The traffic limitation in section 5.2A(e) may be waived or modified. In granting
a waiver or modification of the traffic limitation, the commission shall find, in addition to
those findings in section 5.1, that the waiver or modification would not change the
character of the neighboring agricultural area or the residential neighborhood.
n. Zoning clearance required; notice of request. No home occupation shall commence without a
zoning clearance issued under section 31.5. For each zoning clearance requested for a major home
occupation, the zoning administrator shall provide written notice that an application for a zoning
clearance has been submitted to the owner of each abutting parcel under different ownership than
the parcel on which the proposed home occupation would be located. The notice shall identify the
proposed home occupation, its size, its location, and whether any waiver or modification is
requested. The notice shall invite the recipient to submit any comments before the zoning
clearance is acted upon. The notice shall be mailed at least five (5) days prior to the action on the
zoning clearance as provided in section 32.4.2.5.
(Ord. 11-18(1), 1-12-11, Ord. 19-18(3), 6-5-19)
18-5-22.48
Zoning Supplement 4116, 8-7-19
ALBEAL RLECOUNTYCODE
c. Provisions of section 10.3.3, rural preservation development, shall be applied to the entire parcel.
Combination of conventional and rural preservation development within the parcel shall not be
permitted, provided that the total number of lots achievable under section 10.3.1 and section 10.3.2
shall be permitted by authorization of more than one (1) rural preservation tract. Nothing contained
herein shall be deemed to preclude the director of current development and zoning from approving a
rural preservation development for multiple tracts of adjoining land, or on land divided or otherwise
altered prior to the effective date of this provision, provided that, in either case, the provisions of
section 10.3.3 shall be applicable,
d. The area devoted to development lots together with the area of roadway necessary to provide access to
such lots shall not exceed the number of development lots multiplied by a factor of six (6) expressed in
acres,
e. No Waal preservation development shall contain less than one (1) rural preservation tract. The director
of current development and zoning may authorize more than one (1) rural preservation tract in a
particular case pursuant to the various purposes of rural preservation development as set forth in
section 10.3.3.2 or in accord with section 10.3.3.3.c, as the case may be,
No rural preservation tract shall consist of less than forty (40) acres. Except as specifically permitted
by the director of current development and zoning at time of establishment, not more than one (1)
dwelling unit shall be located on any rural preservation tract or development lot. No rural preservation
tract shall be diminished in area. These restrictions shall be guaranteed by perpetual easement
accruable to the County of Albemarle and the public recreational facility authority of Albemarle
County in a form acceptable to the board. In accordance with Chapter 14 of the Code of Albemarle,
the director of planning and community development shall serve as agent for the board of supervisors
to accept such easement. Thereafter, such easement may be modified or abandoned only by mutual
agreement of the grantees to the original agreement,
g. Each application for a rural preservation development is subject to the review and approval of the
director of current development and zoning.
(§ 20-10.3.3.3, 11-8-89, § 18-10.3.3.3, Ord. 98-A(1), 8-5-98, Ord. 04-18(1), 5-5-04 effective 7-1-04)
Sec. 10.4 Area and bulk regulations.
Area and bulk regulations within the RA, rural areas, zoning district are as follows:
REQUIREMENTS
DIVISIONS BY
DIVISIONS BY SPECIAL
RIGHT
USE PERMIT
Gross density
0.5 du/ac
0.5 du/ac
Minimum lot size
2.0 acres
2.0 acres
Minimum frontage
existing public
roads
250 feet
250 feet
Minimum frontage
internal public
or private roads
150 feet
150 feet
Yards, minimum:
Front (existing public roads)
75 feet
75 feet
Front (internal public or
private road)(Amended 11-13-91)
25 feet
25 feet
Side
25 feet
25 feet
Rear
35 feet
35 feet
Maximum structure height
35 feet
35 feet
(§ 20-10.4, 12-10-80, 8-14-85, § 18-10.4, Ord. 98-A(1), 8-5-98, Ord. 08-18(7), 11-12-08)
18-10-8
Zoning Supp.#113,6-5-19
a
COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE
Department of Community Development
401 McIntire Road, North Wing
Charlottesville, Virginia 22902-4596
Phone (434) 296-5832 Fax (434) 972-4126
ALBEMARLE COUNTY BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS
COUNTY OFFICE BUILDING
401 MCINTIRE ROAD
LANE AUDITORIUM, 2:00 P.M
AGENDA
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2019
Call to Order
2. Establish a Quorum
3. Public Hearing:
A. Project Number: AP201900004 Bufton & Maus TMP 50 - 49
Property Owner/Appellant: Evelyn Bufton and John R. Maus
Staff: Bart Svoboda/Kevin McCollum
4. Approval of Minutes
A. June 4, 2019
5. Old Business
6. New Business
7. Adjournment
BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS MEETING GUIDELINES
Thank you for attending the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) meeting. The following information is
provided to help ensure the meeting proceeds as efficiently and effectively as possible. As a courtesy
to others, please turn off all cell phones during the meeting.
General Information:
This meeting is recorded and later transcribed into minutes approved at a later meeting date
Each item set for public hearing will begin with a presentation of the staff report. Next, the applicant
or appellant for that item will be invited to speak. During the course of the process, the Chairman will
open the public hearing to comments from the public. At the end of these proceedings the Chairman
will announce that the public hearing is closed. Once the public hearing is closed, no further public
comments will be allowed unless the Board asks for additional information from the applicant or
appellant.
The BZA reserves the right to digress from these guidelines in any particular case.
To Members of the Public:
If you wish to address the Board, please raise your hand or stand when the Chairman asks for public
comments for that item. When it is your turn for comment, please come to the microphone and state
your name for the record. For uncommon spellings, please spell your name for the recording
secretary. If you are with a group of people, you may want to have a spokesperson present your
position to the Board.
In order to give all speakers equal treatment and courtesy, the Board requests that speakers adhere
to the following guidelines:
• Come forward to the speaker's podium and state your name;
• Address comments directly to the Board as a whole - open public debate is prohibited;
• State your position and give facts and other data to back it up — keep in mind that there is a 3
minute time limit for public comment;
• Give written statements and other supporting material to the Recording Secretary
(written comments are also welcome if you do not wish to speak).
Additional Guidelines for Applicants and Appellants addressing the Board:
• Please contact staff in Community Development ahead of the meeting to make any necessary
arrangements for your presentation. The Recording Secretary will also need copies of any
• Be clear in stating your position and do not repeat information that has been previously
submitted to the Board.
• Stay on topic by addressing the questions in the application or by responding directly to staffs
determination(s). Focus on presenting facts and data that support your position.
• Keep in mind there is a 15 minute time limit for presentations and a 5 minute time limit for
rebuttal comments. The Board will ask any necessary follow-up questions to clarify points
made during the presentation.
• Understand that the Board of Zoning Appeals cannot change County ordinances.
The BZA reserves the right to place additional time limitations on speakers, as necessary.
STAFF: Kevin McCollum and Bart Svoboda
PUBLIC HEARING: October 1, 2019
STAFF REPORT: AP2019-00004
APPLICANT/APPELLANT: Evelyn Bufton and John "Jack" R. Maus
Description of Property: According to current real estate assessment records, Tax Map
50, Parcel 49 contains 2.40 acres+/- and is located in eastern Albemarle County along State
Route 631 (Attachment A). There is one dwelling and one accessory structure located on the
property at 7380 and 7382 Gordonsville Rd, respectively. The property fronts on State Route
631, an Entrance Corridor, and is zoned Rural Areas, RA.
Background: On October 17, 2017, the appellant applied for a building permit, B2017-02431-
NNR (Attachment B) for an accessory structure. On December 7, 2017, the County issued that
building permit for an accessory structure now located at 7382 Gordonsville Rd, building permit
B2017-02431-NNR (Attachment B). The building permit application described the structure as a
storage building/accessory structure with a work description of "new structure for home office."
Based on the information provided, staff applied the following accessory structure setbacks for
the RA; Front - 75', Rear - 6', and Side - 6'.
On June 4, 2019, the Applicant applied for a Major Home Occupation Clearance to use the
accessory structure as a law office (Attachment Q. After inspecting the property to verify that
the proposed Major Home Occupation met all the applicable regulations, staff sent an advisory
email on June 17 noting that the side setback did not appear to be met and informing the
applicant that the proposed Major Home Occupation Clearance cannot be approved until they
can confirm that the structure meets the applicable setbacks (Attachment D).
Determination and Applicant's Appeal: On July 30, 2019, staff wrote an official determination
informing the applicant that the Major Home Occupation Clearance application could not be
approved until staff determines that the accessory structure complies with the primary structure
setbacks for the Rural Areas zoning district (Attachment E). On August 12, 2019, the Applicant
submitted an appeal of "the decision of the Zoning Administrator to deny them a Major Home
Occupation approval" (Attachment F).
Grounds for Zoning Administrator's Determination: The Zoning Administrator based the
determination on the information provided with the application as well as the site inspection
conducted on June 13, 2019. During that inspection, staff noted that the accessory structure did
not meet the applicable setback and yard requirements for primary structures required by Section
5.2A(c). Therefore, in accordance with Albemarle County Code § 18-5.2A(c) and Albemarle
County Code § 18-31.5(b), the proposed Major Home Occupation cannot be approved until it is
determined to comply with the primary structure setbacks for the Rural Areas zoning district.
The Appellant's Justification for Appeal: The justification for the Applicants' position is that
(1) they fully disclosed to the Department of Community Development their intended use for the
building, (2) the Department issued a building permit approving the placement of the building,
(3) the Applicants relied on the building permit in locating the building, and (4) the Applicants'
reliance on the building permit and their expenditure of substantial funds to construct the
building is to their detriment if they are unable to use the building for its intended purpose.
Staff Response: Staff responses to the four major points of the Appellant's justification.
The Appellants' first argument is that the intended use of the accessory structure, a
commercial law office, was fully disclosed to the Department of Community
Development.
Staff contends that the information provided on the building permit does not indicate in
any way the use of the accessory structure for a commercial law office Major Home
Occupation. The building permit was issued for a "storage building/accessory structure"
with a work description of "new structure for home office." Based on this information
staff correctly applied the accessory structure setbacks for the Rural Areas zoning district
which are Front - 75', Rear - 6', and Side - 6'. Because "home offices" can exist as part
of a single-family dwelling in the Rural Areas and are significantly different than a Major
Home Occupation, there is not enough evidence to support the claim that use of the
accessory structure as a commercial law office was fully disclosed to the Department of
Community Development. Additionally, a Major Home Occupation Clearance was not
submitted until over a year and a half after the building permit was issued. If the
applicant submitted the Major Home Occupation Clearance alongside the building
permit, the County would have known the intended use and would have applied the
appropriate setbacks on the building permit.
2. The Appellants' second argument is that the County issued a building permit approving
the placement of the building.
Staff agrees with this statement. The County issued a building permit for the accessory
structure at the correct setbacks. The accessory structure that exists on the property right
now meets the applicable accessory structure setbacks. The accessory structure does not,
however, meet the applicable setbacks to be used as a Major Home Occupation. The
appellant was notified, by email (Attachment G), on September 29, 2017 of the required
setbacks for a Major Home Occupation.
3. The Appellants' third argument is that they relied on the building permit in locating the
building.
Staff contends that the intended law office use was not known to staff and that given the
information provided (Attachment H), the appropriate setbacks for an accessory structure
were applied.
4. The Appellants' last argument is that the applicants' reliance on the building permit and
their expenditure of substantial funds to construct the building is to their detriment if they
are unable to use the building for its intended purpose.
Staff contends that the intended purpose of the building, based on the information
provided on the building permit application, was an accessory structure. Therefore, the
structure is able to be used and is no detriment to the Appellants.
Summary: On July 30, 2019, the Zoning Administrator issued a determination that the proposed
Major Home Occupation cannot be approved until it is determined to comply with the primary
structure setbacks for the Rural Areas zoning district. The Applicants of that Major Home
Occupation are appealing "the decision of the Zoning Administrator to deny them a Major Home
Occupation approval." Despite the Appellants' grounds for the appeal, presented above, staff
contends that the determination made was correct and that the Board of Zoning Appeals should
affirm this determination.
Proposed Motions: Staff recommends that the Board of Zoning Appeals upholds the Zoning
Administrator's determination regarding Major Home Occupation Clearance, HO2019-233.
Attachments:
Attachment A: Current GIS Map of the Property
Attachment B: Building Permit B2017-02431-NNR
Attachment C: Major Home Occupation Clearance Application
Attachment D: Staff Email to the Applicant dated June 17, 2019
Attachment E: Official Determination "RE: HO2019-00233 Major Home Occupation Clearance"
Attachment F: AP201900004 Application
Attachment G: Staff Email to the Applicant dated September 29, 2017
Attachment H: Building Permit Layout
AP2019-004 Bufton/Maus Appeal
Legend
(Noll Some dens on map may not appear In legend)
Parcel Info
❑ Parcels
50-48A
50-49
73821 +p
7380; Go�dO�'
50-47
51-7
51-8
188 ft
GIS-Web
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4 County of Albemarle Communit/ Development Department
'I'� �� 401 Mclntire Road Charlottesville,VA22902.45?8
Voice: (434) 295-5832 Fax: (434) 972-4125
t. BUJLDiNG PERNT - Page I
1ty QA,
Acres 2.40
Primary iRural Areas
Zoning... _ _.. _.-.... _..
Building Permit-2431—NNR.vt 1v
5u6 Application Ty Storage m mg/accessory structure (new orEj
Street Address: 7380T,6 VILLE RD GORDONSVILLE, 22942
UILDING WORKINFORMATICIN
_ Work Class Frame Type I Water Supply T -e Se
IV ew Wood 'Cartesian Well - -'Private
'A'ork Valuation Jurisdictional Area Other Foot; Found. Desc.:
$ 48,000.00 Mo Service
'Rork NEW STRUCTURE FOR HOME OFFICE
Description:
Entered By: Jennifer Smith on 1011812017
Associated Building
Permit
el,
Directions ' 7380 GORDONSVILLE RD
Legal I ACREAGE
Description:
Use Group �� Construction Type
Square Footages: ff of Stories
1 Porches 504 Unfinished Basement
lit Floor 792 Decks Other Unfinished
2nd Floor Garage Total Unfinished Sq,
3rd Floor Swimming Pool Footaoe
Finished Basement
Other Habitable
Total Habitable Sq. Footage Total Building Sq. Footage
L—_Set Backs: Zoning Pre -Construction? Land Use? Ir
-- Front 7 5
Back C Fire Alarms Required? Bldg Pre -Construction?
Leh Side = Right Side
Fire Sprinkler flAPA Cod e;'year
Dwelling Units Accessory Structures
I•lobile%Prefab. Homes =
t•lobile Officesl,Prefab. Units
Carports e Bedrooms
Garages
Baths
Kitchens
1.0
Paint Spray Booths
Swimming Pools',Hot
e
Other
Elevator-st,Escalators'%,Elks
Tub sl5pas (Res, Onyl
r rBill!
COMact Type-- Nanee Address
l G7ohn r maus P 0 BOX E
cit.,state
ZiO ('nd + i k al,
Cell
,button,elyn
Gi+wtbt Cant a`u [.lamefownet/agent
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.... ,_. .......
,�„
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41,
County of Albemarle
' BUlLDlNG PERMUT -Page 2
Community Development Department
401 Mclntire Road Charlottesville, VA 22902-4595
Voice:(434) 296-5832 Fax :(434) 972-4126
---- — —
TMP DSOOU-00-DU-D490'D Current ,BUFTON, EVELYN & ]DHN R MAUS
Ownerfs
Acres 2.40 Prima9 �RUral Areas I•laior --------
Zonin Subdiv. Acreage
�PPLICATION INFORMATION
Building Permit -1 B200-02431-NNR En tared By. Jennifer Smith on 10/1.81201
Sub Application TyPelStorage building/accessory structure (new orE Associated Building
Permit
___t
Street Address: 7380 GORDONSVILLE D GORDONSVILLE, 22942
R
Separate permits may be required for Electrical, Plumbing, Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning.
This permit becomes null and void if work or construction authorized is not commenced within 6 months, or if construction or work
is suspended or abandoned for a period of 6 months at any time after work is commenced.
I hereby certify that I have read and examined this application and know the same to be true and correct. All provisions of laws
and ordinances governing this type of work will be complied with whether specified herein or not. The granting of a permit does
not presume to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of any other state or local law regulating construction or the
naifnrmanre of rnnctrnrfinn
By signing this building permit, the owner and/or their agent hereby grant employees of the Albemarle County Community
Development Real Estate Departments the right to enter and inspect the subject property Monday through Friday between the
hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., holidays excepted.
If you are not the owner of record, please check which applies:
I certify that I am the agent for BUFTON, EVELYN & JOHN R MAUS
❑ , the Owner, and am authorized to submit this application on behalf of the Owner under the agency granted to me.
I am neither the Owner nor the Owner's agent. I certify that written notice of this application, by providing a copy of this
application, will be mailed to the Owner at the following address
❑ P O BOX E GORDONSVILLE VA 22942
within 10 days of today's date as required by Virginia Code § 15.2-2.204(H). I understand that, if I do not provide the
notice to the Owner as provided herein, the building permit application and every other subsequent approval, permit or
certificate related thereto could be determined to be void.
8ynature of Oviner, Cemrctor or Aa^:orce?Agem Daze
_nr ureof.u7Filn3 Fria or AunftIrzcd Represe- ve p�,e
EL CTRO IC RECORDS STATEMENT: Albemarle County is creating and using electronic records and electronic signatures as
allowed by the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (Virginia Code § 59.1-479 et seq.). As an applicant to the Building Permit
process, you may consent to receive, orhave online access to, electronic records and receive and create records having
electronic signatures related to Building Permits, Correspondence, Inspection Tickets and Certificates of Occupancy (the Buildinq
Please initial here if you AGREE to receive and/or use electronic records and electronic signatures for Building Permit
transactions.
Inhale of Onner. Contractor or A.ufnor¢ed A.garn
Your agreement to conduct Building Permit transactions by electronic means does not preventyou from refusing to conduct other
transactions by electronic means.
Sewage Disposal System Minor Modification Design
THIS PLAN IS BEING SUBMITTED UNDER PROVISION 32.1-163.6 OF THE CODE OF VIRGINIA
AND DOES NOT POSE A GREATER RISK OF MALFUNCTION AS DEFINED IN THE SHDR 350 THAN CURRENT REGULATORY DESIGNS.
TM 50-49
7380 Gordonsville Rd
Gordonsville, VA 22942
2.4 Acres
Bufton, Evelyn & John R Maus
P0Box E
Gordonsville, VA 22942
300 gallon per day system (2 BDR)
STE
New Sewage Ejector Station
Existing 1000 Gallon Septic Tank with effluent filter
Existing Drainfield
Page
Specifications 2
Site Plan 3
Septic Tank Details 4
Sewage Pump Details 5
*CHAEL'
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LICENSE NO.
A 036859
��""ONAL EN�AV
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Old Dominion Engineering
2036 Forest Drive
Waynesboro, Va 22980
Phone: (540) 942-5600
email: olddomeng@ntelos.net
General
1. Modifications or substitutions to the specified equipment or layout must be approved by
the engineer.
2. The contractor should inspect the site prior to submitting an estimate to the owner. Any
potential conflicts should be reported to the engineer. By submitting an estimate the
contractor indicates that he has investigated the site and has found no discrepancies with
the plans and specifications.
3. A preconstruction conference is mandatory before starting installation of the
system. Contact engineer to discuss important aspects of installation. The engineer will
not certify the system at the final inspection unless a preconstruction conference is done
prior to installation.
4. A final inspection is required — The installation must pass inspection by the engineer.
Notify the engineer of the planned inspection date in advance. Prior to final inspection
the contractor should shoot all invert elevations and take as -built triangulation
measurements. The contractor shall provide as -built measurements to all components of
system to the engineer at the final inspection. The OWNER is responsible for paying the
engineer's inspection fees.
5. If adverse subsurface conditions are encountered (rock, groundwater, utilities, etc.)
contact the engineer.
6. If site conditions vary contact the engineer.
7. The contractor is responsible for maintaining all set back distances as required by local
ordinances and health department and payment for all inspections by health department.
8. Installation shall be in accordance with Virginia Department of Health Sewage Handling
and Disposal regulations and in accordance with erosion and sediment control guidelines.
9. A separate Project Manual contains calculations, equipment cut sheets, etc. A separate
package contains AOSE soil information.
10. Notify "MISS Utility" prior to excavation.
Gravity Sewer/Effluent Main/Force Main
1. Gravity sewer from the office to the sewage ejector tank is 4" SCH 40 PVC sewer.
Cleanouts every 50'.
2. Effluent mains shall be 4" schedule 40 PVC and have a slope of 6" per 100' minimum.
3. Force main and pressure piping shall be 2" Schedule 40 PVC .
#�AM F. CRAUN
LICENSE NO.
)NA L E _,
Ldk
Septic Tank
I . Septic Tank - existing. Check tank to make sure it is not leaking and check tees for
alignment. The tank and all seams shall be waterproof.
2. The access port on the outlet end of the tank shall have a 24" waterproof riser. The riser
shall be attached to the tank and sealed.. Riser shall reach the surface and shall be
covered at the surface with lockable, watertight lids.
3. Zabel A300 12x20-VC-Ball effluent filter on tank.
Garage Sewage Ejector Tank
1. 24" diameter Polylok Basin with 24" Heavy Duty Lid. 50" min height. Basin to be
waterproof.
2. Pipe penetrations to be waterproof with Polylok grommets.
3. Inlet to tank shall be 4" SCH 40 PVC. Outlet is 2" SCH 40 PVC.
4. The risers shall extend 2" above final grade and shall be covered at the surface with a
plastic, lockable, watertight lid. The risers shall be 24" in diameter.
5. If rock is encountered in the tank hole then tank shall be bedded with 8" #68 stone. Tank
shall be backfilled in layers with sufficient compaction (> 95% compaction) to avoid
settling. Backfill material shall be free of debris and large stones.
O
6. Tank shall be backfilled in layers with sufficient tamping to avoid settling. Backfill
material shall be free of debris and large stones.
0 POO
Sewage Ejector Pump
•
1. Little Giant 10SN-CIA-RF (1/2 HP). Pump shall deliver 35 gpm @ 19 ft. Pump
operation is to be controlled by an integrated piggyback float. Hardwired electrical
connection in waterproof junction box.
2. Install 3/16 vent hole location before check valve per Little Giant recommendation
O
Alarm Panel
A
1) Indoor/Outdoor Little Giant Alarm 303HWXT Alarm (513273). Alarm to be installed on
office. Alarm to be audiovisual and controlled by float. All electrical connections shall be
hardwired in a waterproof junction box.
O
2
Project Notes/Specifications
1317085
Notes: /
1. Exact location of tanks will vary based upon topography and landscaping.
2. Provide Engineer with proposed as -built triangulation measurements at
preconstmction conference. \
3. Before pricing system installation, the contractor shall inspect the site and
verify dimensions, elevations, and layout of system.
4. Separation distance between building and septic tank, pump tank, header line or force main:
10' - when located below basement floor /
20' - when located above basement floor
5. 5' separation distance between property line or easement from any septic or dripfield component
6. 15' separation to power lines. EXISTING
7. 50' separation from lift station or farce main and well. IIIC WELL
/ I
LAST 5' OF FORCE MAIN / / /
c
IS4"SCH 40 PVC. / / ysce ao ev
ENTER MAIN SEWER /
WITH 4" SCH 40 PVC WYE
/ OFFICE
i
i � I
1 2BDR House
EXISTING
V DRAINFIELD /
i
EXISTING 1000 GALLON TOP SEAM SEPTIC TANKNEW 24" \
NEW ZABEL RISER A3 012X20-VC-BALL
DETAIL 4-1 A \ \ / /
00
CLEANOUT / 2'
4" SCH 40 PVC �
TH
CHAEL F. CRAUN
LICENSE NO.
036859
ANAL EN�AV
SEWAGE EJECTOR
24" POLYLOK BASIN 50" HIGH (MIN)
LITTLE GIANT IOSN-CIA-RF PUMP
LITTLE GIANT HIGH WATER ALARM
DETAIL 5-1,2
4" SCH 40 PVC
CLEANOUT
Sewage Disposal
Site Plan
TM 50-49
7380 Gordonsville Rd
Gordonsville, VA 22942
Scale V = 50'
JM
1mmm
h
Revision
1317085
HOUSE
AND
OFFICE
HOUSE
AND --
OFFICE
i
HIGH PRESSURE SEAL:
(ASTM 1227) (ASTM 92£
CONSEAL CS-102
(ASTM C-990)
PLAN VIEW
USE SILICON ADHESIVE
BETWEEN RISER JOINTS
BRING TO JUST BELOW GRADE
OF EXISTING SLATE PATIO
WITH EZ SET POLY RISERS
SECTION VIEW
NOTES:
I. SEPTIC TANK IS EXISTING 1000 GALLON CONCRETE TANK
2. CHECK INLET - PER VDH SEWAGE DISPOSAL and HANDLING REGS
3. OUTLET WITH NEW EFFLUENT FILTER AND RISER
4. TANKS PENETRATIONS MUST BE WATERPROOFED AND NOT LEAK.
SEAL PIPE PENETRATIONS
5.24" PLASTIC RISER ON OUTLET SIDE OF TANK.
SECTION VIEW
D BOX
yDRAINFIELD
5,000 PSI
REINFORCED
CONCRETE
SCREW DOWN RISERS WITH
f STAINLESS STEEL SCREWS
ST
HIGH PRESSURE SEALS
"STM 1227) (ASTM 923)
D BOX
DRAINFIELD
ZABEL A300-12x20 VC -BALL
EFFLUENT FILTER
EXTEND HANDLE TO
UNDERSIDE OF RISER LID
1000 GALLON MID SEAM SEPTIC TANK
Not To Scale
O
oOA HTOF
Zn '
CRAUN
LICENSE N0. �
q 036859
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Septic Tanks Details
I'
1317085
BRING TO 2" ABOVE GRADE
POLY RISERS AND LID
24" HEAVY DUTY
POLYLOK RISER COVER
POLYLOK 24" DIAMETER BASIN
POLYLOK WATERTIGHT GROMMET \ n
OFFICE
4"Sch 40 PVC
High level alarm Float 20"
PVC Float Tree
Check Valve
3/16 vent hole
2" UNION AND 2" BALL VALVE
2"Sch 40 PVC
Pump
LITTLE GIANT IOSN-CIA-RF
SEWAGEPUMP
AUTOMATIC
POLYLOK WATER TIGHT GROMMET
Non -corrosive lift rope
NOTES:
1. SEWAGE EJECTOR PUMP TANK IS NEW 24" DIAMETER X 50" DEEP POLYLOK BASIN
2. INLET - 4" SCH 40 PVC, OUTLET - 2" SCH 40 PVC
3. TANKS PENETRATIONS MUST BE WATERPROOFED AND NOT LEAK; USE POLYLOK GROMMET-
4.24" RISER ON TANK.
5. STRAP ALL PIPING TO TANK WITH PLASTIC STRAPS AND STAINLESS STEEL ANCHORS
6. FLOAT HEIGHTS WILL NEED TO BE ADJUSTED 1F TANK DIMENSIONS VARY FROM 1.96 GAL PER INCH
7. EASY ACCESS TO VALVES AND UNIONS
24" SEWAGE EJECTOR PUMP TANK
SECTION VIEW
EXISTING
4" SEWER
TO
SEPTIC TANK
IIUuIZ11LILUyO
Not To Scale
Polylok 24" Basin
One - 4" penetration (4" Polylok Grommet)
One - 2" penetration IT' Polylok Grommet)
One - I" penetration (1" Polylok Grommet)
Water test prior to backliill
Pipe penetrations in designated spot
Connect segments per
Polylok Installation Instructions
'REW DOWN RISERS WITH
TAANLESS STEEL SCREWS
^� 24" POLYLOK BASIN
G
SECTION VIEW
FL UF�
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Not To Scale
�:r Sewage Ejector Details
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FOR OFFICE
USE ONLY �( (" { �� HO # I/ lul Iyv v — - 2
Fee Amounl $y' l ' Date Paid ( By who? � MC(-N/' Receipt # I�Ck# I ( S
it
Application for Major Home Occupation Clearance
(Only for parcels in the Rural Areas Zoning District)
Major Home Occupation Clearance = $27.00 + applicable fees
This application may require additional review by the Fire Marshal. Fees in addition to those shown on this application may be required
by the Fire Prevention Code Fee Schedule. A copy of the schedule is available from the Fire Marshal
Home Occupation, Major: An occupation, not expressly prohibited by section 5.2A, conducted for profit within a dwelling
unit solely by one or more members of the family residing within the dwelling unit and up to two (2) additional persons not
residing within the dwelling unit, with or without the use of accessory structures; provided that nothing herein prohibits the
occupation from engaging other persons who work off -site and do not come to the dwelling unit or to any accessory structure
to engage in the occupation.
Applicant MUST HAVE the following information to apply:
1) Tax Map and Parcel Number (or Address) and a description of the Home Occupation.
2) A Floor Plan Sketch on the next page with the following:
a) The total square footage of the dwelling;
b) The square footage of area within the home being used for the occupation
(note this cannot be more than 25% of the gross square footage of the dwelling).
3) If applicable, a survey, plat, or aerial map showing accessory structures and parking associated with the
home occupation. The GIS Web enables easv viewine and Drintine of aerial mans.
Name of Business: 6'a-I h-4 101'z
Type of Business: aznw w/) Tax map and parcel: 05wo-00— oC7—c-;4UU
Contact
tPPerson
�(Who should we call/write concerning this project?): \/(%/�///PC �• /"V'I &ate ' /A
Address f l74 Gy �Sl��,l.,P/ /(„Et �7 Ciryl/.�J��C/�/�''-f H �` r/� %State /✓1014—Zip
Daytime Phone L�.�7 Fax # (` VO) 06M SA'% 11 E-mail!//A:
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Owner of Record tcl�Z(N N ArN 'ti—?l 1 f �lt-)h /1 P424 V ivYvld /
Address
Daytime Phone
Fax # ()
State Zip
DESCRIPTION OF USE (If necessary, attach an additional sheet. Include information about the number of vehicles and
number of employees associated with the use, hours of operation, use of accessory structures, etc.):
Zst_, -- Z "
County of Albemarle Department of Community Development
401 McIntire Road Charlottesville, VA 22902 Voice: (434) 296-5832 Fax: (434) 972-4126
4/23/2018 Page I of
Each major home occupation authorized in the Rural Areas zoning district is subject to the following:
UNDERSTAND THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS CLEARANCE
V1 LOCATION & AREA
This home occupation shall be conducted within the dwelling unit or accessory structures, or both, provided that not
more than twenty-five (25) percent of the gross floor area of the dwelling unit shall be used for the home occupation and
further provided that the cumulative area used for the home occupation, including the gross floor area within the dwelling
unit or any accessory structure and the area used for outdoor storage as provided in section 5.2A(g), shall not exceed one
thousand ve hundred (1500) square feet. Plants that are planted in the ground that are to be used for a major home
Zoccup ion do not count toward the one thousand five hundred (1500) square feet limitation. [Section 5.2A (b) (1)]
EXTERIOR APPEARANCE
There shall be no change in the exterior appearance of a dwelling unit or other visible evidence of the conduct of the
home occupation, except that one home occupation sign may be erected as authorized by section 4.15. Accessory
structures shall be similar in facade to a single-family dwelling, private garage, shed, barn or other structure normally
expected in a residential area and shall be specifically compatible in design and scale with other residential development
in the area ' hich it is located. Any accessory structure that does not conform to the applicable setback and yard
require nts for primary structures shall not be used for a home occupation. [Section 5.2A (c) (1)]
ZISITORS & SALES
Customers, clients and students are permitted to visit the property where the home occupation is conducted. Only goods
that are hand-crafted on -site and goods that are directly related to the home occupation, including but not limited to tools
for pottery making and frames for artwork are permitted to be for sale to customers who comes to the site.
[sectio .2A (d) (1)]
TRAFFIC Hov man trip, Per 14vg. ahONf vtC ctisfaherS
The traffic generated by the home occupation shall not exceed ten (10) vehicle round trips per day or more than thirty
(30) vehicle round trips per week. For the purposes of this section, a "vehicle round trip" means one vehicle entering and
,e_xiiting the site. [Section 5.2A (e)]
It 'FA NG to c vt� o, cAc- ^ O nl
All vehicles used in the home occupation and all vehicles of employees, customers, clients or students related to the
home occupation shall be parked on -site. [Section 5.2A (f)]
UTDOORSTORAGE
The storage of goods, products, equipment other than vehicles used in the home occupation, or any materials associated
with the hope, occupation, other than natural landscaping materials such as mulch and plants, outside of an enclosed
s[ructur prohibited. ]Section 5.2A (g)]
HOURS OF OPERATION It/�a+`re ire +tPicaf (IOW_T ?
The home occupation may operate up to six (6) days per week and the hours of operation shall be between 7:00 a.m. and
8:00 p.m. for those home occupations that have employees, customers, clients or students visiting the site.
,].S.ecti�on 5.2A (h)]
LKNUMBER OF VEHICLES
The number of vehicles that may be used in the home occupation that are parked or stored on -site shall not exceed two
(2) motor vehicles and two (2) trailers. [Section 5.2A (i)]
R UMBER OF HOME OCCUPATIONS
More than one home occupation is permitted on a parcel, provided that the area occupied and the traffic generated by the
home occupations shall be considered cumulatively and all requirements of this section shall apply. [Section 5.2A (j)]
Major Home Occupation Clearance 4/23/2018 Page 2 of 4
0-PMUrORMANCE STANDARDS
The home occupation shall comply with the performance standards in section 4.14. [Section 5.2A (k)]
Does the use involve procedures, machinery or chemicals that may cause the following?
NOISE
VIBRATION
GLARE
HEAT
AIR POLLUTION
WATER POLLUTION
RADIOACTIVITY
ELECTRICAL DISTURBANCE
NON -DOMESTIC WASTE DISCHARGED TO A SEPTIC FIELD OR SEWER
IIff S, then applicable standards must be addressed with a Certified Engineer's Report (available from staff).
O PROHIBITED USES
(1) any use requiring a special use permit under section (10) shooting ranges
10.2.2
(2) animal rescue centers
(3) automobile graveyards
(4) restaurants
(11) commercial stables
(12) rummage or garage sales other than those
determined by the zoning administrator to be
occasional
(5) storage yards
(13) veterinary clinics or hospitals
(6) gun sales, unless the guns are made on -site by one or
(14) pyrotechnic (fireworks or bomb) device
more family members residing within the dwelling unit
manufacturing or sale
(7) on -site pet grooming
(15) Any other use not expressly listed that is
(8) body shops
determined by the zoning administrator to be contrary
(9) equipment, trailers, vehicles or machinery rentals
to the purpose and intent of section 5.2A.
,jSection .2A (1)]
Ly'NOTIFICATIONS & INSPECTIONS I w I" � e- 5e4 tly tl , S Ov+ 5 L c,/f-17
Written notice that an application for a zoning clearance for a major home bccupation has been submitted will be sent to
the owner of each abutting parcel under different ownership than the parcel on which the proposed home occupation
would be located. The notice will identify the proposed home occupation, its size, its location, and whether there is a
request for a waiver or modification. The notice shall invite the recipient to submit any comments before the zoning
clearance is acted upon. The notice shall be mailed at least five (5) days prior to the action on the zoning clearance as
provided in section 32.4.2.5. In addition, a public notice sign will posted on the property for the duration of the review.
[Section .2A (n)]
ZIGNAGE A-nj "Tiage ?
One sign that does not exceed four) (4) square feet in sign area and only states the name of the person occupying the
dwelling and identifies the product or service offered by the home occupation is permitted. No additional permit is
required for this ign, however, it must not exceed 6 ft. in height and must be setback at least 5 ft. from the public road
=DDITIONAL
Section 4.15.2 (25) and 4.15.81
IMPROVEMENTS AND REVIEWS FROM OTHER AGENCIES
A zoning clearance shall not be issued if, after review of any site, additional improvements are necessary to protect
public health or safety. (Section 31.5 (c)]
Other state and local resources, including but not limited to the Health Department, Virginia Department of
Transportation, Building Official, and County Engineer are commonly asked to comment on Home Occupation
applications.
Major Home Occupation Clearance 4/23/2018 Page 3 of
WAIVERS OR MODIFICATIONS MAY BE SOUGHT ONLY FOR THE FOLLOWING•
AREA
The area requirements in section 5.2A(b) may be waived or modified, provided that the waiver or modification shall not
authorize the home occupation to occupy more than forty-nine (49) percent of the gross floor area of the dwelling. In granting
a waiver or modification of the area requirement, the commission shall make the following findings in addition to those
findings in section 5.1: (1) the nature of the home occupation requires storage or additional space within the dwelling unit to
conduct the home occupation; (2) the primary use of the dwelling unit as a residence is maintained; and (3) the waiver or
modification would not change the character of the neighboring agricultural area or the residential neighborhood.
[Section 5.2A (m) (1)]
TRAFFIC
The traffic limitation in section 5.2A (e) may be waived or modified. In granting a waiver or modification of the traffic
limitation, the commission shall find, in addition to those findings in section 5.1, that the waiver or modification would not
change the character of the neighboring agricultural area or the residential neighborhood.
]Section 5.2A (m) (2)]
REVIEW PROCESS AND ADDITIONAL FEES
WITHOUT WAIVER REQUEST ($27 + notice fees)
WITH A SPECIAL EXCEPTION ($27 + $457 + notice
fees
1. Submit Home Occupation application ($27).
1. Submit Home Occupation application and Waiver
2. Staff will review for completion and mail abutting
application ($25 + $457).
owner notification (Fee varies based on number of
2. Staff will review for completion and mail abutting
letters).
owner notification (Fee varies based on number of
3. Staff will visit property to post public notice sign,
letters).
review parking areas, proposed location of sign, and
3. Staff will visit property to post public notice sign,
storage areas (if applicable).
review parking areas, proposed location of sign, and
4. Staff will approve application if requirements have
storage areas (if applicable).
been met and pick-up public notice sign.
4. Staff will coordinate date of next available Planning
Commission meeting to process special exception
5. Staff will approve application if requirements have
been met andpick-up public notice sign.
Owner/Applicant Must Read and Sign
I hereby apply for approval to conduct the Home Occupation identified above, and certify that this address is my legal
residence. I also certi at I have read the restrictions on Home Occupations, that I understand them, and that I will abide
by them, is certi onunction with a business license, represents zoning approval to conduct the Major Home
Occupa ' iM/0/
�n
V G
igna a of Applicant Date
Official
Official
Zoning Official
ENGINEER'S REPORT ATTACHED: YES NO
Date
Date
Date
Major Home Occupation Clearance 4/23/2018 Page 4 of
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Kevin McCollum
From:
Kevin McCollum
Sent:
Monday, June 17, 2019 8:25 AM
To:
Jack Maus
Cc:
Rebecca Ragsdale; Keith Bradshaw
Subject:
Major Home Occupation Clearance
Jack,
Thanks for allowing us to come out and visit the property again on Thursday. Since then, Keith and I have met with the
Zoning Administrator, along with the County Attorney's office, and have concluded that the Major Home Occupation
Clearance cannot be approved until we can confirm that the structure meets the applicable setbacks, which are:
Front — 75'
Side — 25'
Rear — 35'
We can confirm that these setbacks are met by either seeing a physical survey that shows the location and distance of
the structure to the property line or visibly seeing the property line in the field by clearly marked stakes. If the structure
does not meet the required 25' side setback a boundary line adjustment is a possible solution to the bring the structure
into compliance with the required Major Home Occupation side setback.
The Building Permit (B2017-02431-NNR) was correctly approved given the information we were given at the time. The
building was permitted as an accessory structure and no Major Home Occupation clearance was submitted alongside
the building permit. Therefore, the setbacks were front —75, side — 6, and rear— 6.
Kenai v MCC VA"w
Planner, Zoning
Albemarle County
Community Development
kmccollum(o)albemarle.ore
434-296-5832 x 3141
COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE
Department of Community Development
401 McIntire Road, North Wing
Charlottesville, Virginia 22902-4596
Phone (434) 296-5832 Fax 1434) 972-4126
July 30, 2019
John R. Maus
7380 Gordonsville Rd
Gordonsville. VA 22942
RE: HO2019-00233 Major Home Occupation Clearance - Bufton and Maus, PLC
Parcel ID 05000-00-00-04900 (2.40 Acres) (the "Property"), 7380 Gordonsville Rd, Gordonsville,
VA 22942
Mr. Maus:
In response to your request for a Major Home Occupation Clearance for the above referenced
Property in the Rural Areas, please be advised of the following:
Based on the information provided with the application and the site inspection conducted on
June 13, 2019 the accessory structure on the Property, proposed with building permit B2017-
02431 NNR, does not meet the applicable setback and yard requirements for primary structures
required by Section 5.2A(c). Thus, the noted accessory structure cannot be used for the
proposed Major Home Occupation until it is determined to comply with the primary structure
setbacks for the Rural Areas zoning district. Therefore, in accordance with Albemarle County
Code § 18-5.2A(c) and Albemarle County Code § 18-31.5(b) the above referenced Major Home
Occupation Clearance cannot be approved at this time.
Additionally, if the proposed Major Home Occupation operates on the Property without an
approved Zoning Clearance it will be considered in violation and subject to Albemarle County
Code § 18-36.
If you are aggrieved by this determination, you have a right to appeal it within thirty (30) days of
this notice, in accordance with Virginia Code § 15.2-2311. If you do not file a timely appeal, this
determination shall be final and unappealable.
An appeal may be taken only by filing an appeal application with the Zoning Administrator and
the Board of Zoning Appeals, in accordance with Albemarle County Code § 18-34.3, along with
a fee of $258. Additionally, a separate fee is required for the cost of providing notice and
advertising of the appeal for a public hearing.
Applications for Appeal of the Zoning Administrator's Determination are available at the
Department of Community Development located at 401 McIntire Road, Charlottesville, Virginia
22902 or online at www.albemarle.org/cdaoos. This form applies to the appeal of a decision of
the zoning administrator or any other administrative officer pertaining to the Zoning Ordinance.
July 30, 2019
HO201900233
Page 2
Regulations pertaining to the filing of an appeal to the Board of Zoning Appeals are located in
Chapter 18, Section 34.3 of the Zoning Ordinance. They may be reviewed online at
www.albemarle.org/countycodebza.
(Please note that our online documents are in Adobe Acrobat PDF format and must be viewed
with the Adobe Acrobat Reader or an equivalent. A link to download the free plug-in is available
at the bottom of www.albemarle.org/cdar)ps.)
Please contact me if you have questions or require additional information.
Sincerely,
A� r1A&4ef__
Kevin McCollum
Planner
Authorized Designee to the Zoning Administrator
Attachments:
Links shown can be copied and pasted into web browser
Albemarle County Code § 18-5 (See Section 5.2A for Major Home Occupation requirements)
httl)://www.albemarle.org/upload/images/Forms Center/Departments/County Attorney/Forms/AI
bemarle County Code Ch18 ZoningO5 Supplement Regulations.pdf
Albemarle County Code § 18-31 (See Section 31.5 for Zoning Clearance requirements)
httl)://www.albemarle.org/upload/images/Forms Center/Departments/County Attorney/Forms/AI
bemarle County Code Ch18 Zoning31 Admin Enforcement.pdf
Albemarle County Code § 18-10 - Area and Bulk Regulations Sec. 10.4 ("applicable setback
and yard requirements for primary structures" ref. 5.2A(c))
htti)://www.albemarle.org/upload/images/Forms Center/Departments/County Attorney/Forms/AI
bemarle County Code Ch18 Zoning10 Rural Areas.pdf
Albemarle County Code § 18-36
httl)://www.albemarle.org/upload/images/Forms Center/Departments/County Attorney/Forms/AI
bemarle County Code Ch18 Zoning36 Violations.pdf
Albemarle County
Planning Application
Community Development
401 McIntire Road Charlottesville. VA2:
Voice: (434) 296-5932 Fax : (434)
1411 UOUuu-Uu-UU-U4900 I Owner(s):IBUFTON,
EVELYN & JOHN R MAUS
Application # AP201900004
IL
PROPERTY INFORMATION
Legal Description ACREAGE
w
Magisterial Dist. Rivanna p Land Use Prima,; Residential -- Single-family (incl.
modular homes
Current AFD Not in A/F District n Current Zoning Primary Rural Areas
_. .__.
APPLICATION INFORMATION
-
S d 7360 G
treetA dress
ORDONSVILLE RD GORDONSVILLE, 22942
Entered By
Application Type
---
(Appeal of Zoning Administrator's Determination
.. _
.
Buck Smith y,•
t—
_... _—_
1 1 2019
Project
EVELYN BUFTON AND JOHN R MAUS
Received Date
Closing File Date
08/12/19
Received Date Final Submittal Date
Submittal Date Final
OB/12/19 Total
Total
Fees 258
Paid 258
Revision Number
Comments
Legal Ad
t
BUFrON EVELYN&JOHNR
PVAPF+r
]§CK MAUS
- '
EVELYN SUFrON %IND JOHN
F
.... ..__ ...
P.D. BOX GORDONSVILLE 2e942 54069430..06
Signature of Contactor or Authorized Agent Date
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY AP # U / J�DOOO'/ SIGN #
ZONING ORDINANCE SECTION:
� r�-
Fee Amount $�.�� Date Paidr/6 /z / By wfio? Jig r10- /'f �y '%t(S / p ,/ C Receipt # Ckd By;
Application for I 6541.14
Appeal of Zoning Administrator's Determination
m Appeal of Zoning Administrator's Determination = S258
FEES to be paid after staff review for Public notice:
Appeals of the Zoning Administrator require a public hearing by the Board of Zoning Appeals.
Virginia State Code requires that notice for public hearings be made by publishing a legal
advertisement in the newspaper and by mailing letters to adjacent property owners.
The total fee for public notice will be provided to the applicant after the final cost is determined and
must be paid before the application is heard by a public body. Staff estimates the total cost of legal
advertisement and adjacent owner notification to be between $350 and $450. This estimate reflects
the average cost of public notice fees, but the cost of certain applications may be higher.
➢ Preparing and mailing or delivering up to fifty (50) notices
$71$
➢ Preparing and mailing or delivering each notice after fifty (50)
$1.08 for each additional notice + actual
cost of first-class postage
➢ Legal advertisement (published twice in the newspaper for each public
Actual cost
hearing)
(averages between $150 and $250)
Contact Person ( Who should we call/write concerning this project?): Jack Maus
Address Post Office Box E City Gordonsville State VA
Zip 22942
Daytime Phone (540) 894-1006 Fax # (540) 406-5911 E-mail lackmauslaw@gmail.com
Owner of Record Evelyn Bufton and John R. "Jack" Maus
Address Post Office Box E
City Gordonsville State VA Zip 22942
Daytime Phone (894) 432-0920 Fax # (540) 406-5911 E-mail ebuftonlaw@gmail.com
Applicant (Who is the Contact person representing?):
Address Post Office Box E
Bufton and John R. Maus
City Gordonsville State VA Zip 22942
Daytime Phone (540) 894-1006 Fax # (540) 406-5911 E-mail jackmauslaw@gmail com
County of Albemarle Department of Community Development
401 McIntire Road Charlottesville, VA 22902 Voice: (434) 296-5832 Fax: (434) 972-4126
Revised 11/I/2015 Page I oft
Project Name: Bufton & Maus Law Office
Tax map and parcel: 050000-00-00-04900
Physical Street Address (if assigned):
7380 Gordonsville Road, Gordonsville, ViMinia 22942
Zoning: rural
Location of property (landmarks, intersections, or other):
Rt. 231 approximately 2 miles north of the intersection with Lindsay Road - across from Fielder's Choice Farm
The following information shall be submitted with the application and is to be provided by the applicant:
1) Completed application including subject of appeal.
2) Justification for applicant's position, including error in Zoning Administrators determination. You may use the space below to
provide this information or submit an attached sheet.
3) If applicable, a copy of the latest deed for the property involved, and the approved and recorded plat.
4) If applicable, the appropriate drawings showing all existing and proposed improvements on the property and any special conditions
for the situation that may justify the appeal.
5) Reference to the relevant Zoning Ordinance section or other applicable regulations or case precedence to justify the appeal.
6) Appropriate fee made payable to the County of Albemarle.
Explanation of error indetermination and justification of applicant's position:
As further explained on the attachment the iusitification for applicants'
position is that (1) they fully disclosed to the Department of Community
Development their intended use for the building, (2) the Department issued a
Building Permit approving the placement of the building (3) the applicants
relied on the Building Permit in locating the building, and(4) the appli-
cants' reliance on the Building Permit and their expenditure of substantial
funds to construct the building is to their detriment if they are unable to
use the building for itpw'ner/Applicant Must Read and Sign intended purpose.
I hereby certify that the information provided on this application and accompanying information is accurate, true
and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.
Date:
Sig of Owner or Contract Purchaser, Agent
�
111rint Name Daytime phone number of Signatory
Board of Zoning Appeals Action/vote:
Board of Zoning Appeals Chairman's signature: Date:
Revised 11/1/2015 Page 2 of 2
ATTACHMENT TO APPLICATION FOR APPEAL OF
ZONING ADMINISTRATOR'S DETERMINATION
Background
When the applicants applied for a building permit, they submitted a copy of the
architectural plans for the structure, which called for a building of approximately 1000
square feet with 2 offices, a conference room, a bathroom and a small kitchenette. The
applicants' clear intention was to use the building as a law office and to meet there with
clients and other professionals incidental to their law practice. The Department of
Community Development (hereinafter, "the Department") issued a building permit that
required the building to be set back only 6 feet from the side property line. A copy of the
building permit is attached as Exhibit 1.
The foundation for the building was staked out so that it is parallel to the residence
rather than the side property line. So, at its nearest point, the building is set back 14 feet
away from the side property line. At its furthest point, the building exceeds the 25 foot side
setback requirement.
When the foundation was staked, the applicants asked the Department to send a
representative to visit the site to make sure that the stakes were properly placed. When that
representative said that the location was correct, the applicants constructed the building in
that precise location. The building was constructed in full compliance with the Statewide
Building Code as enacted by Albemarle County and has passed the final inspection. The
applicants have been told by the Department of Community Development that they are
entitled to a Certificate of Occupancy.' Indeed, within hours after the final construction
inspection was done, the County's Tax Assessor visited the property to ascertain its effect on
an increased property tax assessment. Now, the Zoning Administrator has determined that
he cannot approve a Major Home Occupation Clearance because the entire building is not set
back 25 feet from the side property line.
1 The Department has indicated to the applicants that, although the building has been completed in full
compliance with the building code, the Department has, at the time of filing of this Application, withheld the
Certificate of Occupancy because it did not want to influence the zoning process. Those are two entirely
different issues and the Department's refusal to issue a Certificate of Occupancy under these circumstances is
arbitrary and capricious.
1
Case Precedent to Support the Appeal
The applicants have been unable to find any legal precedent that precisely deals with
this situation. However, there are other legal precedents that are instructive about the
appropriate resolution of this appeal.
The law in Virginia is clear that, if one person relies on the representations of another
to their detriment, the person making the representation is prevented (or estopped) from
later taking a different position. Allowing one party to change positions under certain
circumstances would be unfair. That's why the doctrine is called "equitable estoppel."
In Stewart v. Lady, 251 Va. 106, 465 S.E.2d 782 (1996), the Supreme Court of Virginia
To establish equitable estoppel, it is not necessary to show actual fraud
but only that the person to be estopped has misled another to his prejudice
(internal citation omitted) or that the innocent part acted in reliance upon the
conduct or misstatement by the person to be estopped. Khoury v. Memorial
Hospital, 203 Va. 236, 123 S.E.2d 533 (1962) ....Elements necessary to
establish equitable estoppel, absent a showing of fraud and deception, are a
representation, reliance, a change of position, and detriment. 251 Va. at 112-
113, 465 S.E.2d at 785.
All of those elements necessary to prove equitable estoppel are present in the
applicants' case:
• There was a representation (that the side setback was only 6 feet),
• The applicants relied on the representation,
• The applicants changed their position (they spend over $120,000.00 to build the
office where it was permitted), and
• The applicants have suffered a detriment (that the County will not allow them to use
the building for its intended purpose).
The principle of equitable estoppel applies to zoning issues as well. In Chapel Creek,
Ltd. V. Mathews County, 12 Va. Cir 350 (1988), a developer had acquired a parcel of land on
which he intended to build a 6-unit apartment building. He received approval for that and,
when he learned that the County was going to enact an ordinance that prevented expansion
2
of that project, took additional steps to increase the size of his project before the ordinance
became effective. When the Zoning Administrator denied the building permit for the
expanded project, the developer sued and lost. However, the Court said this:
The doctrine of equitable estoppel provides that the right to use or
develop land cannot be infringed upon by legislative action when the owner
or developer of such land has in good faith relied upon some act or failure to
act by a governmental body and made a substantial change in position.
(Internal citations omitted) ...[A] property owner may acquire a valid
nonconforming use or acquire a vested right to complete construction of a
nonconforming building where, in good faith and in reliance upon a validly
issued building permit, the property owner has begun substantial
construction or has incurred substantial expenses relating directly to the
construction. (internal citations omitted) The most obvious missing link in
petitioner's case is the threshold government act, the issuance of a building
permit. 12 Va. Cir. At 353.
Unlike the developer in Chapel Creek, the applicants in this case had a validly issued
building permit and constructed the building in accordance therewith. The applicants have
finished construction of the building as it was permitted and, as indicated above, have spent
in excess of $120,000.00 to do so. As a result, Albemarle County is estopped from denying
the applicants a zoning clearance.
Furthermore, the Supreme Court of Virginia, in Lee v. City of Norfolk, 281 Va. 423, 706
S.E.2d 330 (2011) applied language from Jones v. Board of Governors, 704 F.2d 713 (4th Cir.
1983) in which that Court said:
[S]ignificant departures from stated procedures of government and
even from isolated assurances by governmental officers which have induced
reasonable and detrimental reliance may, if sufficiently unfair and prejudicial,
constitute procedural due process violations. 281 Va. at 436.
The decision of the Zoning Administrator is so unfair and prejudicial that it violates
the applicants' due process rights under both Article 1, §11 of the Constitution of Virginia,
and under the Sth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States as made applicable to
the States through the 14th Amendment.
Finally, it appears that the Zoning Administrator takes the position that the setback
requirements in Code §18-10.4 are mandatory. However, the heading at the top of the
setback table merely says that "Area and bulk regulations within the RA, rural areas, zoning
3
district are as follows:" That's not enough to make the setback requirement mandatory.
Even if the word "shall" could be inferred from the ordinance, the Supreme Court of Virginia
has recently ruled that "shall" is not always mandatory, but that it can also be directory.
Rickman v. Commonwealth, 294 Va. 531, 808 S.E.2d 395 (2017). In fact, the Court said that:
Under Virginia law, the use of the term "shall" in a statute is generally
construed as directory, rather than mandatory, and, consequently, no specific,
exclusive remedy applies unless the states manifests a contrary intent.
(internal citations omitted). 294 Va. at 539.
In fact, one of the decisions cited in Rickman, was Tran v. Board of Zoning Appeals, 260
Va. 654, 536 S.E.2d 913 (2000). In Tran, the Board of Zoning Appeals issued a ruling outside
of the 90-day period prescribed by Virginia Code §15.2-2312. The Supreme Court of Virginia
ruled that the word "shall" in the statute was directory, not mandatory so that a BZA decision
outside the 90-day limit was valid.
As indicated above, the County Assessor has determined that the structure adds value
to the property. The Department of Community Development recently visited the property
and assigned the office building a separate 911 address. The applicants were told that, so
long as the building was going to be visited by third parties, it needed a separate 911 address
in case of an emergency. The applicants don't understand why the County needs to plan for
the presence of third parties if the applicants are not allowed to have them in the building.
In summary, for all of the reasons set forth above, the applicants submit that the
decision of the Zoning Administrator to deny them a Major Home Occupation approval was
incorrect and should be reversed by the Board of Zoning Appeals.
4 County of Albemarle Communit/ Development Department
'I'� �� 401 Mclntire Road Charlottesville,VA22902.45?8
Voice: (434) 295-5832 Fax: (434) 972-4125
t. BUJLDiNG PERNT - Page I
1ty QA,
Acres 2.40
Primary iRural Areas
Zoning... _ _.. _.-.... _..
Building Permit-2431—NNR.vt 1v
5u6 Application Ty Storage m mg/accessory structure (new orEj
Street Address: 7380T,6 VILLE RD GORDONSVILLE, 22942
UILDING WORKINFORMATICIN
_ Work Class Frame Type I Water Supply T -e Se
IV ew Wood 'Cartesian Well - -'Private
'A'ork Valuation Jurisdictional Area Other Foot; Found. Desc.:
$ 48,000.00 Mo Service
'Rork NEW STRUCTURE FOR HOME OFFICE
Description:
Entered By: Jennifer Smith on 1011812017
Associated Building
Permit
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Directions ' 7380 GORDONSVILLE RD
Legal I ACREAGE
Description:
Use Group �� Construction Type
Square Footages: ff of Stories
1 Porches 504 Unfinished Basement
lit Floor 792 Decks Other Unfinished
2nd Floor Garage Total Unfinished Sq,
3rd Floor Swimming Pool Footaoe
Finished Basement
Other Habitable
Total Habitable Sq. Footage Total Building Sq. Footage
L—_Set Backs: Zoning Pre -Construction? Land Use? Ir
-- Front 7 5
Back C Fire Alarms Required? Bldg Pre -Construction?
Leh Side = Right Side
Fire Sprinkler flAPA Cod e;'year
Dwelling Units Accessory Structures
I•lobile%Prefab. Homes =
t•lobile Officesl,Prefab. Units
Carports e Bedrooms
Garages
Baths
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County of Albemarle
' BUlLDlNG PERMUT -Page 2
Community Development Department
401 Mclntire Road Charlottesville, VA 22902-4595
Voice:(434) 296-5832 Fax :(434) 972-4126
---- — —
TMP DSOOU-00-DU-D490'D Current ,BUFTON, EVELYN & ]DHN R MAUS
Ownerfs
Acres 2.40 Prima9 �RUral Areas I•laior --------
Zonin Subdiv. Acreage
�PPLICATION INFORMATION
Building Permit -1 B200-02431-NNR En tared By. Jennifer Smith on 10/1.81201
Sub Application TyPelStorage building/accessory structure (new orE Associated Building
Permit
___t
Street Address: 7380 GORDONSVILLE D GORDONSVILLE, 22942
R
Separate permits may be required for Electrical, Plumbing, Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning.
This permit becomes null and void if work or construction authorized is not commenced within 6 months, or if construction or work
is suspended or abandoned for a period of 6 months at any time after work is commenced.
I hereby certify that I have read and examined this application and know the same to be true and correct. All provisions of laws
and ordinances governing this type of work will be complied with whether specified herein or not. The granting of a permit does
not presume to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of any other state or local law regulating construction or the
naifnrmanre of rnnctrnrfinn
By signing this building permit, the owner and/or their agent hereby grant employees of the Albemarle County Community
Development Real Estate Departments the right to enter and inspect the subject property Monday through Friday between the
hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., holidays excepted.
If you are not the owner of record, please check which applies:
I certify that I am the agent for BUFTON, EVELYN & JOHN R MAUS
❑ , the Owner, and am authorized to submit this application on behalf of the Owner under the agency granted to me.
I am neither the Owner nor the Owner's agent. I certify that written notice of this application, by providing a copy of this
application, will be mailed to the Owner at the following address
❑ P O BOX E GORDONSVILLE VA 22942
within 10 days of today's date as required by Virginia Code § 15.2-2.204(H). I understand that, if I do not provide the
notice to the Owner as provided herein, the building permit application and every other subsequent approval, permit or
certificate related thereto could be determined to be void.
8ynature of Oviner, Cemrctor or Aa^:orce?Agem Daze
_nr ureof.u7Filn3 Fria or AunftIrzcd Represe- ve p�,e
EL CTRO IC RECORDS STATEMENT: Albemarle County is creating and using electronic records and electronic signatures as
allowed by the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (Virginia Code § 59.1-479 et seq.). As an applicant to the Building Permit
process, you may consent to receive, orhave online access to, electronic records and receive and create records having
electronic signatures related to Building Permits, Correspondence, Inspection Tickets and Certificates of Occupancy (the Buildinq
Please initial here if you AGREE to receive and/or use electronic records and electronic signatures for Building Permit
transactions.
Inhale of Onner. Contractor or A.ufnor¢ed A.garn
Your agreement to conduct Building Permit transactions by electronic means does not preventyou from refusing to conduct other
transactions by electronic means.
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County of Albemarle
Department of Community Development
G' 401 McIntire Road, North Wing
Charlottesville, Virginia 22902 P -,
DATE:
08/05/2019
TO:
BUFTON, EVELYN & JOHN R MAUS
P0BOX E
GORDONSVILLE VA 22942
CC:
Post Office, GORDONSVILLE
FROM:
Geographic Data Services (GDS)
www.albemarle.org/ads
434-296-5832
SUBJECT: Physical Address Notification - NEW CONSTRUCTION
TMP: 05000-00-00-04900
PERMIT#: B2017-02431NNR
PHYSICAL
ADDRESS: 7382 GORDONSVILLE RD
As of the date of this letter, the physical address located at the above Tax Map Parcel (TMP)
and/or Building Permit# is currently in our addressing system.
To ensure proper location by emergency service providers, timely mail delivery, and the accuracy
of other County records, please do the following:
• If applicable, contact your telephone company to ensure this physical address is
associated with your landline telephone number;
Post the address for this structure in accordance with Albemarle County's Road Naming
and Property Numbering Ordinance and Manual;*
To receive mail using this address, contact your post. If this is an address change and
you didn't physically move, do not submit a Change of Address form with the USPS.
Any questions about mail delivery, zip code information, and determining where a
mailbox should be installed, will be handled by the post office;
• If applicable, ensure that your records are up to date with Voter Registration (434-972-
4173), School Transportation (434-973-5716), and the County's Finance Department
(434-296-5851);
• Alert other County and non -County entities (e.g. credit card, utilities, etc.) as
necessary.
Note: any change in your physical address does not require the deed to your property to be re-
recorded at the courthouse.
*The County's Road Naming and Property Numbering Ordinance requires that this physical
address number be posted so it is easily visible from the named street or road. The number
F^ p_cte .:' t:c .., ivc If the ,ilbo. i5 not located directly on the abode
named street or road, the addressnumberand road name must appear on the mailbox. The
numerals displayed should be at least three inches in height ,pn a contrasting background and any
previously displayed numbers, which could be confused with,or.mistaken for the address
assigned, shall be removed from the mailbox and property.
If you should have any questions regarding this physical address, please do not hesitate to
contact our office.
Kevin McCollum
From: Rebecca Ragsdale
Sent: Wednesday, June 12, 2019 3:39 PM
To: Kevin McCollum
Subject: FW: Building Law Office on Home Property
From: Rebecca Ragsdale
Sent: Friday, September 29, 2017 7:21 PM
To: Jack Maus <maus48@gmail.com>
Subject: RE: Building Law Office on Home Property
Mr. Maus,
We allow small offices as a home occupation as long as the requirements of the major home occupation checklist are
met:
http://www,albemarle.org/upload/images/forms center/departments/Community Development/forms/applications/
Major Home Occupation Clearance.pdf
If you would like to build an accessory structure to accommodate the home occupation, it may be no more than 1500
square feet in size and must be 75' from the front property line/edge of VDOT right of way, 25' from the side property
lines, and 35' from the rear property line.
If the structure for the home occupation is not yet built, you would need to apply for a building permit. The home
occupation could not be approved until after the structure gets its CO.
We can set up a time next week to chat about this in more detail if you would like. I'm free to meet or give you a call any
time after 2:30pm on Monday and have other scattered openings throughout next week.
Rebecca
From: Jack Maus [mailto:maus48@gmail.coml
Sent: Wednesday, September 27, 2017 7:37 PM
To: Rebecca Ragsdale <rragsdaleCcDalbemarle.org>
Subject: Building Law Office on Home Property
Dear Ms. Ragsdale:
My wife, Lyn Bufton, and I live in the northeastern corner of Albemarle County at 7380 Gordonsville
Road. We are both lawyers and recently formed a law partnership. We would like to build a law office in a
corner of our 2.4 acre lot.
I stopped by the Community Development Office ye ferday without an appointment and was given your name
as a contact person to see whether that's possible and, if so, what we need to do to get started.
Please let me know when it would be a good time to explore this further. My cell phone number is 540-894-
1006.
Thank you,
Jack Maus
- -----------------
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COUNTY OF ALBEMARL
MEMORANDUM
TO: Albemarle County Board of Zoning Appeals
FROM: Andrew H. Herrick, Deputy County Attorney
DATE: September 19, 2019
RE: Bufton & Maus Appeal; No. AP 2019-4
On behalf of the County, the County Attorney's Office submits the following summary of
legal issues raised in the Bufton & Maus Appeal (No. AP 2019-4). Appellants Evelyn Bufton and
John R. Maus are appealing the denial of a home occupation clearance H02019-00233.
1. Summary of Facts
On or about October 18, 2017, Appellants Evelyn Bufton and John R. Maus applied for a
building permit for an accessory structure in the Rural Areas (RA) zoning district On or about
December 7, 2017, Building Permit B2017-02431-NNR was issued, authorizing the construction of
the accessory structure. The building permit noted side and rear setbacks of six feet, consistent with
County Code S 18-4.11.2(b).
Following completion of construction, on or aboutJune 4, 2019, the Appellants applied for
a major home occupation clearance, pursuant to County Code S 18-5.2A. Specifically, the
Appellants applied to operate a law office from the newly -constructed accessory structure, which is
located within 25 feet of the side property line.
In an official determination datedJuly 30, 2019, the Zoning Administrator's designee denied
the Appellants' application for a major home occupation clearance. On or about August 12, 2019,
the Appellants filed the present appeal.
2. Applicable Standards
A. Standard of Review: Presumption of Correctness / Appellanes Burden of Proof
Virginia Code S 15.2-2309(1) enables the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) to "hear and
decide appeals from any order, requirement, decision or determination made by an administrative
officer in the administration or enforcement of [the zoning ordinance]. The decision on such appeal
shall be based on the boards judgment of whether the administrative officer was correct" See Board
ofZ,onmgAppeals ofJames City County v. University Square Associates, 246 Va. 290 (1993).
Virginia Code S 15.2-2309(1) further provides: "The determination of the administrative
officer shall be presumed to be correct At a hearing on an appeal, the administrative officer shall
explain the basis for his determination after which the appellant has the burden of proof to rebut
such presumption of correctness by a preponderance of the evidence." [emphasis added]
B. A ghkable Zoning Ordinances
This appeal primarily involves two provisions of the County's zoning ordinance:
1. County Code S 18-5.2A outlines the standards by which major home occupations may be
conducted in the Rural Areas (RA) zoning district Most notably for the present case, County
Code S 18-5.2A(c)(1) provides: "Any accessory structure that does not conform to the
applicable setback and yard requirements for primary structures shall not be used for a home
occupation." (emphasis added)
2. County Code S 18-10.4 in turn provides that the applicable side setbacks for primary
structures in the Rural Areas zoning district are 25 feet
3. ApRhcation/Analvsis
At its core, this appeal misunderstands the critical distinction between structures (on the one
hand) and uses (on the other). Building permits and use clearances (such as for home occupations)
are analyzed and issued by separate offices under separate standards. The County's Building Official
issues building permits, following the standards of the Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC).
By contrast, the County s Zoning Administrator issues zoning clearances for certain uses,
following the standards of County Code S 18-31.5 and (in the case of home occupations in the Rural
Areas) County Code S 18-5.2A. Note that these requirements address the use of a structure or
property. A structure meeting the structural requirements of the USBC may not necessarily meet
the separate requirements needed to qualify for a certain use, such as an approved home occupation.
In this case, the newly -constructed accessory structure did and does meet all applicable
USBC requirements. Therefore, the new accessory structure was properly issued a building permit,
despite being within the side setback applicable to primary structures, and may still be used for any
use permitted in accessory structures in the Rural Areas zoning district
Unfortunately for the Appellants, a major home occupation simply isn't one of those
permitted uses, at least where the accessory structure is within a setback applicable to primary
structures. Though the Appellants have other potential use(s) of the accessory structure or may seek
a boundary line adjustment (among other potential remedies), County Code S 18Z.2A(c)(1) simply
does not permit home occupation use within the setbacks applicable to primary structures, as here.
4. Rebuttal
The appeal objects to the determination on two grounds. Neither is legally persuasive.
2
A. Equitable estoppel does not apply.
Despite the Appellants' argument, equitable estoppel does not apply to the County's zoning
determination in this case. As the Virginia Supreme Court has ruled: "To establish equitable
estoppel, it is not necessary to show actual fraud, but only that the person to be estopped has misled
another to his prejudice, Security Co. v. Juliano, Inc., 203 Va. 827, 834,127 S.E.2d 348, 352 (1962),
or that the innocent party acted in reliance upon the conduct or misstatement by the person to be
estopped. Khoury v. Memorial Hospital, 203 Va. 236, 243, 123 S.E.2d 533, 538 (1962)." T. v. T.
216 Va. 867, 872-73, 224 S.E.2d 148, 152 (1976). (emphasis added)
In this case, the County -issued Building Permit was neither misleading nor a misstatement
The Building Permit properly allowed the construction of the proposed structure in the proposed
location. However, as noted above, the use of that structure was and is a separate matter. As a result,
the Building Permit did not (and could not) give zoning approval for a home occupation use. The
Appellants apparently inferred a home occupation use approval from the Building Permit where
none was actually granted. The County's approval of the Building Permit and disapproval of the
subsequent home occupation use application are consistent and do not represent a change in
position on the County's part Therefore, equitable estoppel does not apply. Even if equitable
estoppel did apply, it would only preclude the County from revoking its initial Building Permit,
which the County has not sought to do.
B. The setback requirement is plain, unambiguous, and mandatory.
Despite the Appellant's argument, the setback requirement in the County s zoning ordinance
is plain, unambiguous, and mandatory. Before outlining specific dimensions, Albemarle County
Code S 18-10.4 begins: "Area and bulk regulations within the RA, rural areas, zoning district are as
follows:" (emphasis added). The Appellants attempt to confuse the issue by introducing the
distinction between the mandatory ("must") and directory ("will") uses of the ambiguous term
"shall." Fortunately, the ordinance in question actually uses the clear and unambiguous term "are."
The alternative, a "directory" setback, would eliminate defined setbacks altogether. As the
Virginia Supreme Court noted (in the case cited by the Appellants): [A] "shall" command in
a directory statute carries no specific, exclusive remedy. Instead, it empowers the court to exercise
discretion in fashioning a tailored remedy, if one is called for at all." Rickman v. Commonwealth,
294 Va. 531, 537, 808 S.E.2d 395, 398 (2017) In arguing for a "directory" setback, the Appellants
are arguing (perhaps without realizing it) that courts should "exercise discretion in fashioning a
tailored [setback], if one is called for at all." That clearly is not the meaning or intent of the County's
setback requirements, as written. Setbacks are in fact mandatory requirements, not directory
guidance.
5. Conclusion
For the reasons stated above, the denial of a home occupation clearance HO2019-00233
was correct Because the Appellants have failed to rebut the presumption of correctness, their appeal
should be denied, and the denial of the zoning clearance affirmed.
Cc: Bart Svoboda, Zoning Administrator
91
Information Requested by
John Shepherd
COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE
►Y ll�li, v� Department of CommunitN Development
401 McIntire Road, North Wing
Charlottesville, Virginia 22902-4596
Phone (434) 296-5832 - Fax (434) 972-4126
CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY
This is to certify that the detached personal home office, as further described below,
has been inspected and found to be in compliance with the 2012 edition of the Virginia
Uniform Statewide Building Code.
Construction Information
Building Permit #
B20170243INNR
IType of Construction
5-B
Sprinkler System
None Designated
Special Conditions or
Modifications
For personal use only.
Use Group
R-5
Property Information
Parcel ID
05000000004900
Owner
BUFTON, EVELYN & JOHN R MAUS
Subdivision
jAcreaqe
Property Address
7382 GORDONSVILLE RD GORDONSVILLE 22942-
Ma isterial District
Rivanna
IZoning Designation
Rural Areas
Date: August 15, 2019
Building Official:
Zoning Administrator:
Residential Inspection
County of Albemarle - Inspections Division - (434) 296-5832
OF A/-y TMP: 05000-00-00-04900 Owner: BUFTON. EVELYN & JOHN R MAUS
Permit Number: B2017-02431-NNR Phone: Cell Phone:New Owner:
a t7/1;41P Power Company: Central Virginia Phone: Cell Phone:
LegalDescription: Acreage
Street Address: 7380 GORDONSVILLE RD GORDONSVILLE
Directions: 7380 GORDONSVILLE RD
Work Description: NEW STRUCTURE FOR HOME OFFICE
DateSched uled: 2/15/2019
Type: Administration COMMENT Re Inspection APPROVE REJECTED
Insulation '9894324 ❑
Printed: 2/14/2019 4:28 PM
Scheduled By: Eileen Wittwer ^I Inspe Name
Inspectors Comments:
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RGINIA
t HOFiH ALTHNT
Protecting You and Your Environment
Albemarle County Health Department
1138 Rose Hill Drive
Charlottesville, VA 22903
(434) 972-6219 Voice
(434) 972-4310 Fax
Sewage Disposal System Operation Permit
Property Owner
Evelyn Button Health Dept. ID: 101-17-0590
7380 Gordonsville Road Bldg Permit #: B2017-02431-NNR
Gordonsville, VA 22942 Tax Map/GPIN: 50-49
Phone: (804) 432-0920 Locality: Albemarle County
Property Location
Property Address: 7380 Gordonsville Road —3 ter,
Gordonsville, VA 22942 i
Evelyn Bufton is hereby granted permission to operate a Residential Conventional Ousite Sewage
System at the above referenced location, under the following parameters:
Daily Flow: 300 gallons
Number of Bedrooms: 2
This permit is issued in accordance with the provisions of "fitle 32.1, Chapter 6 of the Code of Virginia
as Amended, and Section 12VAC 5-610-340 of the Sewage Handling and Disposal Regulations of the
Virginia Department of Health. The issuance of an operation permit does not denote or imply any
guarantee by the department that the sewage disposal system will function for any specified period of
time. It shall be the responsibility of the owner or any subsequent owner to maintain, repair, or replace
any sewage disposal system that ceases to operate in accordance with the regulations.
July 9. 2019 Travis Davis 'i o
Effective Date Environmental Health Specialist, Sr. Signature
Residential Inspection
County of Albemarle - Inspections Division - (434) 296-5832
S`of
At,
/? TMP: 05000-00-00-04900 Owner: BUFTON. EVELYN & JOHN R MAUS
{ y
j Phone: Cell Phone:
Permit Number: B2017-02431-NNR New Owner:
/ltO1Nx Power Company: Central Virginia Phone.
LegalDescription: Acreage
Street Address: 7380 GORDONSVILLE RD GORDONSVILLE
Directions: 7380 GORDONSVILLE RD
Work Description: NEW STRUCTURE FOR HOME OFFICE
Type:
Final Building
Final Electric
Final Mechanical
Final Plumbing
Printed: 5/21/2019 4:26 PM
Scheduled By: Eileen Wittwer
Inspectors Comments:
DateSched uled: 5/22/2019
Administration COMMENT
540-894-1006 A.M.
Cell Phone:
Re -Inspection APPROVE REJECTED
❑ E3--' ❑
❑ Z ❑
❑ ❑
El D
Inspectors Name
Residential Inspection
County of Albemarle - Inspections Division - (434) 296-5832
TMP: 05000-00-00-04900 �[9 Owner: BUFiON. EVELYN & )OHN R MAUS
t EnPermit Number: B2017-02431-NNR Phone: Cell Phone:
New Owner:
tIRG1N�P Power Company: Central Virginia Phone: Cell Phone:
Legal Description: Acreage
Street Address: 7380 GORDONSVILLE RD GORDONSVILLE
Directions: 7380 GORDONSVILLE RD
Work Description: NEW STRUCTURE FOR HOME OFFICE
DateScheduled: 4/25/2019
Type: Administration COMMENT Re -Inspection APPROVE REJECTED
Final Building
Final Electric
Final Mechanical
Final Plumbing
Final Zoning
Printed: 4/24/2019 4:14 PM
Scheduled By: Keith Huckstep
Inspectors Comments.
am please..
i Ut1r� I✓ 2-'j -"�Yf
��IA4� 1"� 13 4r1r III", )' Is � 11 7`"
Inspectors Name
Residential Inspection
County of Albemarle - Inspections Division - (434) 296-5832
{OF'47-� Owner: BUFTON. EVELYN & JOHN R MAUS
J y Y
TMP: 05000-00-00-04900
0. m Permit Number: B2017-02431-NNR Phone: Cell Phone:New Owner:
tl1,7N1Power Company: Central Virginia Phone:
Legal Description:
Acreage
Street Address:
7380 GORDONSVILLE RD GORDONSVILLE
Directions:
7380 GORDONSVILLE RD
Work Description:
NEW STRUCTURE FOR HOME OFFICE
DateScheduled: 2/19/2019
Type:
Administration COMMENT
Insulation
Printed: 2/15/2019 4:06 PM
Scheduled By: Keith Huckstep
Inspectors Comments:
Cell Phone:
Re -Inspection APPROVE REJECTED
o
In pectors Name
Residential Inspection
County of Albemarle - Inspections Division - (434) 296-5832
OF A/. 9 TMP: 05000-00-00-04900 Owner: BUFTON. EVELYN & JOHN R MAUS
"�
Phone: Cell Phone:
ata - Permit Number: B2017-02431-NNR
1„ New Owner:
iliiGlN Power Company: Central Virginia Phone: Cell Phone:
LegalDescription: jAcreage
Street Address: 7380 GORDONSVILLE RD G_ORDONSVILLE__ _
Directions: I7380 GORDONSVILLE RD
Work Description: ANEW STRUCTURE FOR HOME OFFICE
Type:
DateScheduled 2/5/2019
Administration COMMENT Re -Inspection APPROVE REJECTED
Insulation
Printed: 2/4/2019 4:133 PM_ \
Scheduled By: Cindy Dotson
Inspectors Comments:
F 1r
❑ ❑ W
Cns actors Name
G Ud
,,.•.tom
Residential Inspection
County of Albemarle - Inspections Division - (434) 296-5832
Al TMP: 05000-00-00-04900 Owner: BUFTON. EVELYN & JOHN R MAUS
j Permit Number: B2017-02431-NNR Phone: Cell Phone
New Owner:
• : Lam• ..�
r'yRGINYA Power Company: Central Virginia Phone: Cell Phone.
LegalDescription: Acreage
Street Address: 7380 GORDONSVILLE RD GORDONSVILLE
Directions: 7380 GORDONSVILLE RD
Work Description: INEW STRUCTURE FOR HOME OFFICE
DateScheduled: 1 /29/2019
r
ype. Administration COMMENT Re -Inspection APPROVE REJECTED
Rough -in Mechanical
Printed: 1/28/2019 4:14 PM
Scheduled By: Eileen Wittwer
Inspectors Comments:
A.M. _.._.--------------------- -
Cspectors Name
Residential Inspection
County of Albemarle - Inspections Division - (434) 296-5832
,Cti of ACl3TMP: 05000-00-00-04900 Owner: BUFTON. EVELYN & JOHN R MAUS
Phone:
Cell Phone:
Permit Number: B2017-02431-NNR New Owner:
Power Company: Central Virginia Phone:
LegalDescription:
Acreage
Street Address:
7380 GORDONSVILLE RD GORDONSVILLE
Directions:
7380 GORDONSVILLE RD
Work Description.
NEW STRUCTURE FOR HOME OFFICE
Datescheduled: 1 /22/2019
Type:
Administration COMMENT
Cell Phone.
G•�
Re -Inspection APPROVE REJECTED
Mime q legt p ❑ ❑ ❑
Framing Walls .�� �e-Jk �'I`am 804 as 092� o L'n 4-'3" i `R'� Vq „'°�"`.1 s ] ❑
Inside Gas Line A %\� J I� S L L �� ❑ ❑
Printed: 1/18/2019 4:13 PM j 1 Jy
Scheduled By: Eileen Wittwer l �y
.Z sp ctors Name
Inspectors Comments: �� _
go ❑
Residential Inspection
County of Albemarle - Inspections Division - (434) 296-5832
J�'Sti OF At�.y2 TMP: 05000-00-00-04900 Owner: BUEON. EVELYN & JOHN R MAUS
o �!r Phone: Cell Phone:
fim Permltliumber:B2017-02431-NNR New Owner:
`IRGIN1t' Power Company: Central Virginia Phone:
LegalDescription:
!Acreage
Street Address:
7380 GORDONSVILLE RD GORDONSVILLE
Directions:
17380 GORDONSVILLE RD
Work Description:
'NEW STRUCTURE FOR HOME OFFICE
-
DateScheduled: 1/18/2019
Type:
Administration COMMENT
Outside Gas Line \w—A-
L0�
Underground Tank 164o-e32 ooso A M - _
Printed: 1/17/2019 4:13 PM -----—__�O `-��--
Scheduled By: Eileen Wittwer
Inspectors Comments: - -
Cell Phone:
Re -Inspection APPROVE REJECTED
El
- - Cps _ s Name
Residential Inspection
County of Albemarle - Inspections Division - (434) 296-5832
$ OF Al TMP: 05000-00-00-04900 Owner: BUFTON. EVELYN & JOHN R MAUS
J Phone: Cell Phone.
°' : m Permit Number: B2017-02431-NNR New Owner:
?`
EjP Power Company: Central Virginia Phone: Cell Phone:
LegalDescription: Acreage
Street Address: 7380 GORDONSVILLE RD GORDONSVILLE
- ------------------------ - - --------
Directions: 7380 GORDONSVILLE RD
Work Description: NEW STRUCTURE FOR HOME OFFICE
DateScheduled: 1 /11 /2019
Type: Administration COMMENT Re -Inspection APPROVE REJECTED
Framing Walls 1tZs ' e04-432-0 O 4jil {t b,�t
Rough -in Electric
Rough -in Mechanical 7,un1L'o
Rough -in Plumbing
Printed: 1/10/2019 4:16 PM
Scheduled By: Eileen Wittwer
Inspectors Comments:
F-15
❑❑/
❑
L1Y
®'
❑
spectors Nalne,
Residential Inspection
County of Albemarle - Inspections Division - (434) 296-5832
OF TMP: 05000-00-00-04900
All Owner: BUFTON. EVELYN & JOHN R MAUS
p - Phone: Cell Phone:
. PermltNumber B2017-02431-NNR New Owner:
Power Company: Central Virginia Phone:
LegalDescription:
ACREAGE
Street Address:
7380 GORDONSVILLE RD GORDONSVILLE
Directions:
7380 GORDONSVILLE RD
Work Description:
NEW STRUCTURE FOR HOME OFFICE
DateScheduled: 8/30/2018
Type:
Administration COMMENT
Footing iA.M. 804-432-0920
Preliminary Zoning .f _? 5_' 8-b/ S S - 10
Printed: 8/29/2018 4:11PM
Scheduled By: Eileen Wittwer
Inspectors Comments:
Cell Phone:
Re -Inspection APPROVE REJECTED
old ❑
Inspectors Name
V'County of Albemarle
BUILDING PERN/T - Page ;
TMP I 05000-00-00-04900 I Current BUFTON,
O•n•negs) ..._..... _.___..
.Acres 2.40 Primary ;Rural Areas
Zoning _. _._ _ _ _
Building Permit=(B2017-02431—NNR
Sub ,application Type Storage building/accessory structure (new or
Street Address: 7380 GORDONSVILLE RD GORDONSVILLE, 22942
Community Development Department
401 t•Aclntire Road Charlottesville. VA229D2-4596
Voice: 1434) 296-5832 Fax : {4341972-4126
R MAUS
Major 5
Entered By: Jennifer Smith on 1011812017
Associated Building
Permit
Private
..... _.............. _..... _.... .
Work Valuation lurisdictional Area Other Foot / Found. Desc.:
$ 48,000.00 No Service
Work NEW STRUCTURE FOR HOME OFFICE
Description:
Directions 7 o GORDONSYILLE RD -
Legal ACREAGE
Description:
Use Group �� Construction Type
Square Footages: iF of Stories
1 porches 504 Unfinished Basement
let Floor 792 Decks Other Unfinished
2nd Floor Garage Total Unfinished Sq. 504
3rd Floor � Swimming Pool Footage
Finished Basement
Other Habitable
Total Habitable Sq. Footage 792 Total Building Sq. Footage 1296
Se[ Backs Zoning Pre -Construction? I Land Use? I
Front Back
Fire=.larms Required? I Bldg Pre -Construction?
Leh Side Right Side r-�
Fire Sprinkler P7-.Ps. Code;Year I I
D' elling Units Accessory Structures
Carports Bedrooms
Garages
Other F_7
Mobile%Prefab. Homes =
Baths 1.0
kitchens
Elevatowliscalators':Lift.s r__1
button, evelyn 6.john r maus Ip060:(E
-- --- .'same o:;ne r'agent
_...
Mobile OfFces�,Prefab. Units
Pain[ Spray Booths
S'n•imming Pools'..Hot
TuWSpas (Res. Only)
County of Albemarle
BUILDING PERMIT - Page 2
Sub Application Type Storage building/accessory structure (new
Street Address: [380 GORD ONSVILLE RD GORD ONSVILLE, 22942
Community Development Department
401 McIntire Road Charlottesville. VA22902.4596
Voice: 1434i 296-5832 Fax : 1434) 972-4126
Entered By: Jennifer Smith on 1011812017
Associated Building
Permit
Separate permits may be required for Electrical, Plumbing, Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning.
This permit becomes null and void if work or construction authorized is not commenced within 6 months, or if construction or work
is suspended or abandoned for a period of 6 months at any time after work is commenced.
I hereby certify that I have read and examined this application and know the same to be true and correct. All provisions of laws
and ordinances governing this type of work will be complied with whether specified herein or not. The granting of a permit does
not presume to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of any other state or local law regulating construction or the
n erfnrmanre of rn n<tri irtinn
By signing this building permit, the ownerand/or their agent hereby grant employees of the Albemarle County Community
Development Real Estate Departments the right to enter and inspect the subject property Monday through Friday between the
hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., holidays excepted.
If you are not the owner of record, please check which applies:
I certify that I am the agent for BUFTON, EVELYN & JOHN R MAUS
❑ , the Owner, and am authorized to submit this application on behalf of the Owner under the agency granted to me.
I am neither the Owner nor the Owner's agent. I certify that written notice of this application, by providing a copy of this
application, will be mailed to the Owner at the following address
El within
O BOX E GORDONSVILLE VA 22942
within 10 days of today's date as required by Virginia Code § 15.2-2204(H)- I understand that, if I do not provide the
notice to the Owner as provided herein, the building permit application and every other subsequent approval, permit or
certificate related thereto could be determined to be void.
S,aca..re of D;.=er. Co -:.,::or cr A.-:•c•Zv:A,.. Da-
a-a:.:re.f3-.o•a cfli= a orA.:•or¢ej Recrese,:s:;_ Doe
ELECTRONIC RECORDS STATEMENT: Albemarle County is creating and using electronic records and electronic signatures as
allowed by the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (Virginia Code § 59.1-479 et seq.). As an applicant to the Building Permit
process, you may consent to receive, orhave online access to, electronic records and receive and create records having
electronic signatures related to Buildinq Permits, Correspondence, Inspection Tickets and Certificates of Occupancy (the Buildinq
Please initial here if you AGREEto receive and"or use electronic records and electronic signatures for Building Permit
transactions.
-a-s M Ox—r. Aae
Your agreement to conduct Building Permit transactions by electronic means does not prevent you from refusing to conduct other
transactions by electronic means.
�y OF ALBS.
? �T County of Albemarle Department of Community Development
u � m
k 401 McIntire Road Charlottesville, VA 22902-4596
.iPiACRak Building Application Inspection Line: (434) 972-4179 Voice: (434) 296-5832 Fax: (434) 9724126
TMP so — I�� M
# Street Name Apt /Suite
� Current ^ YYI
Owner(s) ! I'I
T3 Sol r Vt1
Work Class: Frame Type: water sapply Type: sewage Disposal Footing / Foundation
Type: Type:
❑ Addition ❑ Concrete ❑ Artesian Well ❑ None ❑ Basement'` 'd1��
❑ Alteration ❑ Masonr ❑ None Rt Private ❑ Crawl S ace \ �Vl
❑ Demolition ❑ Other ❑ Private ❑ Public ❑
IN New ❑ Steel ® Central Well ❑ 9 Other C 1.,.
❑ Other ❑ Vin I ❑ Public ❑ ❑ Slab
❑ Remodel Wood ❑ ❑ ❑
Jurisdictional Area Other Foot /
Found Desc.:
Work Valuation Power Company —�
Work
Description
4f 9r�
ivo.
Directions 56C)
) iD �l
516s['
3�r
Use Group
Construction Type
Square Footages:
# of Stories
Porches
"'Fluor
Decks
2nd Floor
Garage ^
3rd Floor
Swimming Pool
Finished Basement
Unfinished Basement
Other Habitable
Other Unfinished
Total Habitable Sq. Footage
7cfZ Total Unfinished Sq. Footage
Total Building Sq. Footage
Setbacks: J Zoning Pre-Constmction? Land Use?
Front Back
Fire Alarms Required? Bldg Pre-Constmction? 8
Left Side El Right Side Fire Sprinkler NAPA Code Year?
y1
Dwelling Units L J Accessary Structures J Mobile / Prefab. Homes = Mobile Offices/Prefab. Units
Carports Bedrooms Baths ED Paint Spray Booths
Garages Kitchens I /��I Swimming Pools/Hot
'--I--' Other Elevaturs/Escalaturs/L.ifu Tubs/Spas (Res. Only)
Primary Contact
Name ✓✓ n �^ Phone iZ_
Street Name ,e Fax #
City / State / �- �% Zip Code ZZr/
E-mail /t co ✓ Cellular# 7
Owner/Ap cant ✓r
Name Phone#
Street Name Fax #
City / State Zip Code
E-mail Cellular #
Mechanics Lien
Name Phone#
Street Name Fax #
City / State Zip Code
E-mail Cellular #
General Contractor
Name Phone It
Street Name Fax #
City / State Zip Code
E-mail Cellular #
SUB —CONTRACTOR INFORMATION —
Business Name: License Types: State License # Locality License #
Separate permits may be required for Electrical, Plumbing, Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning.
This permits becomes null and void if work or construction authorized is not commenced within 6 months, or if
construction or work is suspended or abandoned for a period of 6 months at any time after work is commenced.
I hereby certify that I have read and examined this application and know the same to be true and correct. All provi-
sions of laws and ordinances governing this type of work will be complied with whether specified herein or not.
The granting of a permit does not presume to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of any other state or
local law regulating construction or the performance of construction.
By signing this building permit, the owner and/or their agent hereby grant employees of the Albemarle County
Community Development & Real Estate Departments the right to enter and inspect the subject property Monday
through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., holidays excepted.
If you are not the owner of record, please check which applies:
LE1
1 certify that I am the agent for
The Owner, and am authorized to submit this application on behalf of the Owner under the agency
I am neither the Owner nor the Owner's agent. I certify that written notice of this application, by pro-
viding a copy of this application, will be mailed to the Owner at the following address:
Within 10 days of today's date as required by Virginia Code § 15.2-2204(H). I understand that, if I do
not provide the notice to the Owner as provided herein, the building permit application and every other
subsequent approval, permit or certificate related thereto could be determined to be void.
S' ture of Owner, C tractor, or Authorized Agent Date
Signature of Owner. Contractor, or Authorized Agent Date
ELECTRONIC RECORDS STATEMENT: Albemarle County is creating and using electronic records
and electronic signatures as allowed by the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (Virginia Code §
59.1-479 et. Seq.). As an applicant to the Building Permit process, you may consent to receive, or have
online access to, electronic records and receive and create records having electronic signatures related
to Building Permits, Correspondence, Inspection Tickets and Certificates of Occupancy (the Building
Permit transactions).
C
Initials of Owner, Contractor or Authorized Agent Date
Your agreement to conduct Building Permit transactions by electronic means does not prevent you
from refusing to conduct other transactions by electronic means.
Pagelof3
VDHDEPAVIRGIRTMENT
Albemarle County Health Department
DEPARTMENT 1138 Rose Hill Drive
OF HEALTH Charlottesville, VA 22903
(434) 972-6219 Voice
Protecting You and Your Environment (434) 972-4310 Fax
PE Construction Permit
Well and Sewage Contractors: Please notify Health Department and OSE or PE 48 hours prior to
installation to arrange for inspection
November 30, 2017
Evelyn Bufton
7380 Gordonsville Road
Gordonsville, VA 22942
RE: Site Address: 7380 Gordonsville Road, Gordonsville, VA 22942
Tax Map/GPIN: 50-49 (Albemarle County)
HDID: 101-17-0590 Reserve: 100% reserve area provided
Usage Desscription: Detached office with bathroom
Dear Evelyn Bufton :
This letter and the attached drawings, specifications, and calculations (8 pages) dated November
15, 2017, constitute your permit to install a sewage disposal system and on the property referenced
above. Your application for a permit was submitted pursuant to § 32.1-163.5 of the Code of Virginia,
which requires the Health Department to accept private soil evaluations and designs from an Onsite Soil
Evaluator (OSE) or a Professional Engineer working in consultation with an OSE for residential
development. VDH is not required to perform a field check to verify the private evaluations of OSEs or
PEs and such a field check may not have been conducted for the issuance of this permit.
The soil absorption area ("site"), sewage system design, a were certified by Michael Craun, PE
as substantially complying with the Board of Health's regulations (and local ordinances if the locality has
authorized the local health department to accept private evaluations for compliance with local
ordinances). This permit is issued in reliance upon that certification. VDH hereby recognizes that the soil
and site conditions acknowledged by this permit are suitable for the installation of an onsite sewage
system. The attached plat shows the approved area for the sewage disposal system; there are additional
records on file with the Albemarle County Health Department pertaining to this permit, including the Site
and Soil Evaluation Report. This construction permit is null and void if any substantial physical change
in the soil or site conditions occurs where a sewage disposal system is to be located.
If modifications or revisions are necessary between now and when you construct your dwelling,
please contact the OSE/PE who performed the evaluation and design on which this permit is based.
Should revisions be necessary during construction, your contractor should consult with the OSE/PE that
submitted the site evaluation or site evaluation and design. The OSE/PE is authorized to make minor
adjustments in the location or design of the system at the time of construction provided adequate
documentation is provided to the Albemarle County Health Department.
The OSE/PE that submitted the certified design for this permit is required to conduct a final
inspection of this sewage system when it is installed and to submit an inspection report and completion
statement. As the owner, you are responsible for giving reasonable notice to the OSE/PE of the need for a
final inspection. If the designer is unable to perform the required inspection, you may provide an
inspection report and
Tax Map/GPIN: 5049 Page 2 of 3
HDID:101-17-0590
completion statement executed by another OSE/PE. The Albemarle County Health Department is not
required to inspect the installation but may perform an inspection at its sole discretion . No part of this
installation shall be covered until it has been inspected by the OSE/PE as noted herein. The sewage
system may not be placed into operation until you have obtained an Operation Permit from the Albemarle
County Health Department.
This Construction Permit is null and void if conditions are changed from those shown on your
application or if conditions are changed from those shown on the Site and Soil Evaluation Report and the
attached construction drawings, specifications, and calculations. VDH may revoke or modify any permit
if, at a later date, it finds that the site and soil conditions and/or design do not substantially comply with
the Sewage Handling and Disposal Regulations, 12 VAC 5-610-20 et seq., or if the system would
threaten public health or the environment.
This permit approval has been issued in accordance with applicable regulations based on the
information and materials provided at the time of application. There may be other local, state, or federal
laws or regulations that apply to the proposed construction of this onsite sewage system. The owner is
responsible at all times for complying with all applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations. If
you have any questions, please contact me.
This permit expires: June 01, 2019. This permit is not transferable to another owner or location.
Sincerely,
Josh Kirtley
Environmental Health Technical Specialist
Albemarle County Health Department
CC: Craun, Michael PE
Tax Map/GPIN #: 5049
HDID#: 101-17-0590
WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO GET YOUR
SEPTIC SYSTEM OPERATION PERMIT
Page 3 of 3
• Your system must have a satisfactory inspection at the time of installation. This will be done by either a
representative of the local Health Department, a private OSE, or a PE, depending on the designer of your
permitted system. If your system is designed/inspected by an OSE or PE, they must submit a copy of the
inspection results, complete with an as -built diagram, to the Health Department.
a Please ensure that your contractor turns in a Completion Statement to the local Health Department after
installation.
• If your permit is for an alternative system, you must sign, have notarized, and record the attached Notice
of Recordation in your locality's land records. Please bring proof of this recordation to the local Health
Department
Allow 5 business days after the last piece of documentation is received for the Operation Permit to be
issued. To avoid delays, clearly label each piece of documentation with the property Tax Map/GPIN
number and HDID number shown above and on your construction permit. Please note that due to the
individual circumstances ofyour permit there may be additional required items not covered by this
checklist.
If you have any questions about any of the items on this list, please do not hesitate to contact the
Albemarle County Health Department at (434) 972-6219.
Albemarle County
VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Louisa County
' PO Box 7546
Thomas Jefferson Health District
PO Box 336
i
Charlottesville, VA 22906
Revised March 29, 2D09
Louisa, VA 23093
(434) 972-6219 - Office
(540) 967-3707 - Office
(434) 972-4310- Fax
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
(540) 967-3733 - Fax
Fluvanna County
Greene County
Nelson County
PO Box 136
Palmyra, VA 22963
PO Box 38 p
v,
�. PO Box 98
rl,n.. n^L
y
Slanardsville, VA 22973 ,'� L
�t1L1 B' ingston, VA 22949
(434) 591-1965 - ONice
(434) 985-2262 -Office
(434) 263.4297 - Office
(434) 591-1961- Fax
(434) 985-4822 - Fax
434) 253-4304 - Fax
REQUEST FOR NEWCONSTRUCTION WITH EXISTING SEWAGE DISPOSAL
Applicants Na e I Agent's Name I
`7 � ,l ),e 1
City lI __ State zip
City
State Zip
�r�.QIYfSM% e A Z?- �q
.1�5O
M
rections to
r.
Loi s�-+' lvNe
1
r ,
PLEASE ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS Circle One
1.) Was your septic system installed and approved within the last 10 Years? YES
2.) Does proposed addition or replacement come within 20' of the drain field or reserve area?
3.) Does proposed addition or replacement come within 50' of your well? YES NC
4.) Are there wet spots in your yard, slow running drains, backups, or discolored spots in lawn? YES ND
By signing this statement you are requesting that the Environmental Health Specialist evaluate your
system and are granting i im/Jae rmission to enter your property. if a site visit is needed,
you may be required t uncoverUour epylg tank and distribution box lids.
SEE PAGE 2 FOR HEALTH DEPARTMENT FINDINGS
PAGE 1 of 2
PAGE 2 of 2
HEALTH DEPARTMENT USE ONLY
Site Visit WAS NOT made and existing water supply WAS NOT evaluated,
unless otherwise noted under comments.
ADEQUATE DESIGN
A review of our records indicate the existing sewage disposal system (SIDS) and reserve area
(where indicated) appears to be adequately designed for the proposed use. This does not imply
that the existing SDS will continue to function properly for any minimum period. No conflicts were
noted when the attached site plan (including footprint) was compared to those records. Exact
locations may vary from records and it is suggested that the exact location of the SDS be
confirmed before beginning construction.
INADEQUATE DESIGN
Existing SDS inadequate. Applicant must apply at the Health Department for a sewage disposal
construction permit. Permit must be issued and a copy submitted to building inspections before
Building/Zoning permit is issued.
UILT DRAWING:
COMMENTS:
'C'< I'J'n; t9r Ioo11S �Cxnd»E✓tg.c c1.es,t�r�eb• pl�s�
600 ✓DN )--D IaI- Ii-o'I'Ta /"&✓ C% ✓a .a., �ac�,T_G✓ k-'-1
�
ealth Depa �rO
3owo�►>
Date
Revised March 29. 20D9
Ar
�IRGIN�P
COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE
Department of Community Development
401 McIntire Road, North Wing
Charlottesville, Virginia 22902-4596
Phone (434) 296-5832 Fax (434) 972-4126
CONTRACTOR/SUBCONTRACTOR LICENSURE EXEMPTION AFFIDAVIT
Section 108.4 of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code requires that any person applying for a
building permit be duly licensed as a contractor/subcontractor under the terms of Chapter I 1 of Title 54.1
of the Code of Virginia, or be exempt from such licensure.
"Contractor" means any person, that for a fixed price, commission, fee, or percentage undertakes to bid
upon, or accepts, or offers to accept, orders or contracts for performing, managing, or superintending in
whole or in part, the construction, removal, repair or improvement of any building or structure permanently
annexed to real property owned, controlled, or leased by him or another person or any other improvements
to such real property.
I have applied for the building permit identified above. I affirm that I am familiar with the Virginia
Uniform Statewide Building Code requirement for contractor/subcontractor licensure under the terms of
Chapter 1 I of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia, and that I am exempt from such licensure.
The basis for my exemption is the following (applicant must initial at least one):
1. The work is performed by a government agency with its own forces
2. The work is bid upon or undertaken for the United States armed services under the Armed Services
Procurement act
3a' The work is bid upon or undertaken for the United States government on federal property
4: The work is bid upon or undertaken for the Virginia Department of Transportation on state highway
and/orbridges.
5:. The dpplicant is excluded by another law, such law being:
6. The applicant is a material supplier rendering advice but not providing construction or installation
se es
7. e applicant is performing or supervising work on no more than one primary residence owned by
ji er for his/her own use during any 24-month period
8. _ The applicant is performing or supervising work on his/her own property as a gift to an immediate
family member, provided that such family member (mother, father, son, daughter, brother, sister,
grandchild, grandparent, mother-in-law or father-in-law) lives in the house
9. _ The applicant is performing or supervising work on industrial or manufacturing facilities, or on a
commercial or retail building for his/her own use
10. _ The applicant is performing or supervising work on residential dwelling unit(s), subject to the
Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, owned by him/her
11. _ The applicant is an owner -developer, provided that any third -party purchaser is made a third -party
beneficiary to the contract between the applicant and a licensed contractor whereby the contractor's
obligation to perform the contract extends to both the applicant and the third -party purchaser
12. _ The work is undertaken by students as part of a career and technical education project, established by
any school board, on the construction of portable classrooms or single-family homes
I understand that any reference to me in this document also includes the company or entity that 1 own, work for or
represent.
I understand that even if I am exempt from licensure pursuant to the provisions of Exemptions 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12
above, I must comply with all other provisions of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.
I understand that even if I am exempt from licensure pursuant to the provisions of Exemptions 7, 10, 11 or 12
above, I shall obtain a certificate of occupancy, or other evidence of building code compliance, prior to conveying
the property described in the building permit application to a third -party purchaser, unless such purchaser has
acknowledged in writing that no certificate of occupancy, or other evidence of building code compliance has been
issued and that such purchaser consents to acquire the property without a certificate of occupancy or other
evidence of building code compliance.
I understand that working without a valid contractor's license, or without being duly exempt from such licensure,
subjects me to criminal prosecution.
ne - printed)
(applicant's signature)
Signed and sworn to before me by:
tvc,l i n I F X 1 (applicant's name — printed),
COMMONWEALTH F V`R
CITY/COUNTY Orrll n Svf
,,`��uuurrrrr
� �P\STINT r,
# S
'z
���EGM95�ON woil I
=
The foregoing instrument was acknowledged before me this _day ofOZLO�, 20 1
My Commission Expires: �� c� lxpo
ary ublic
Revised: 05/2011
F Construction ❑ Repair
Permit Permit
OSE/PE Report For:
❑ Voluntary Upgrade
Permit
Certification
Letter
Page of 0
❑ Subdivision
„ 1 Apprpval
r d
Property Location:
911 Address: 7380 Gordonsville Rd.
City: Gordonsville
Lot Section
Subdivision
GPIN or Tax Map # TM 50-49
Health Dept ID # CA- 11-015 q 0
Latitude
Longitude
Applicant or Client Mailing Address:
Name: Bufton, Evelyn & John R Maus
�n^
Street: P O Box E
J
City: Gordonsville
State VA zip Code 22942
Prepared by:
OSE Name
License #
Address
City
State
Zip Code
PE Name Michael F Craun
License # 036859
Address 2036 Forest Drive
City Waynesboro
State VA
Zip Code 22980
Date of Report 11/16/17 Date of Revision
OSE/PE Job # 1317057 Date of Revisio
Contents/Index of this report (e.g., Site Evaluation Summary, Soil Profile Descriptions, Site
see table of contents on next page
Plans - 11 "x17" - Separate - 5 pages
Certification Statement
I hereby certify that the evaluations and/or designs contained herein were conducted in accordar
the Sewage Handling and Disposal Regulations (12 VACS-610), the Private Well Regulations (12 V)
Alternative Onsite Sewage Systems (12VACS-613) and all other applicable laws, regulations and p
Department of Health. I further certify that I currently possess any professional license required t
Commonwealth that have been duly issued by the applicable agency charged with licensure to pe
❑The work attached to this Aver page has been conducted under an exemption to the practice of engineering, specifically
the exemption in Code o irginia Section 54.1-402.A.11
I recommend that a (select one): onstruction permit Ocertification letter © subdivision approval []be (select one) Issued ❑�
r air permit © voluntary upgrade Denied ❑
OSE/PE Signature __ Date I//' o; --I�
Nic
This form contains personal information subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act. Revised 12/1/2014
Table of Contents
Cover page/Certification Statement
Table of Contents
Application Page
Supplemental Calculations
Page Z- off
EM
Dominion
Commonwealth of Virginia
Application for: ❑✓ Sewage System ❑Water Supply
Owner Bufton, Evelyn & John R Maus
Mailing Address P O Box E Gordonsville, VA 22942
Agent
Mailing Address
Site Address 7380 Gordonsville Rd Gordonsville, VA 22942
Directions to Property:
Subdivision
Tax Map
TM 50-49
Section
Other Property Identification
Sewage System
3 co
VDH Use only
Health Department ID#
Due Date
Phone
Phone
Fax
Phone
Phone
Fax
Email lYnbuffon@gmaii.com
Block Lot
Dimension/Acreage of Property 2.4 acres
Type of Approval: Applicants for new construction are advised to apply for a certification letter to determine if land is
suitable for a sewage system and to apply for a construction permit (valid for 18 months) only when ready to build.
❑Certification Letter E] Construction Permit ❑ VoluntaryUpgrade pg rade
[I Repair Permit
Proposed Use:
Single Family Home (Number of Bedrooms 2 ) Multi -Family Dwelling (Total Number of Bedrooms
Other (describe) Addition of an office with an office bathroom - minor modification
Basement?E]Yes[iNo Walk -out Basement?❑Yes[ lNo Fixtures in Basement❑YesE]NO
Conditional permit desired?❑Yes[D4o If yes, which conditions do you want?
] Reduced water flow ❑ Limited Occupancy ❑ Intermittent or seasonal use ❑ Temporary use not to exceed I year
Do you wish to apply for a betterment loan eligibility letter'43YesE]No *There is a $50 fee for determination of eligibility.
Water Supply
Will the water supply be❑Public orE]Private? Is the water supplyE]Existing or❑Proposed?
If proposed, is this a replacement well? []Yes ENo If yes, will the old well be abandoned? ❑Yes E]No
Will any buildings within 50' of the proposed well be termite treated? E]Yes []No
Is this a private sector OSE/PE application? E]Yes ❑No If yes, is the OSE/PE package attached? []Yes ❑No
Is this property indeed to serve as your (owners) principal place of residence? []Yes E]No
to process your application for a sewage system you must attached a plat of the morerty
watrr
auvyuon, a Piet ut Inc pmpeny is recommenaea and a site sketch is required. The site sketch should show your property lines, actual and/or
proposed buildings and the desired location of your well and/or sewage system. When the site evaluation is conducted the property lines,
building location and the proposed well and sewage sites must be clearly marked and the property sufficiently visible to see the topography.
I give permission to the Virginia Department of Health to enter onto the property described during normal business hours for the purpose of
processing this application and to perform quality assurance checks of evaluations and designs certified by a private sector Onsite Soil
Evaluator or Professi 'neer necessary until the sewage disposal system and/or private water supply has been constructed and
approved.
Signa[urWfnerAg t D' Date
This form contains personal information subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act. Revised 12/1/2014
Page q of u
Supplemental Calculations
Project Narrative
An office is being added to the property. The office will typically have one or two
occupants. There will be one convenience bathroom in the office. The sewer cannot
flow by gravity to the septic tank. A sewage lift pump chamber located outside the
garage will be used to lift the wastewater to the septic tank. To aid the septic tank in
holding back solids, an effluent filter will be added.
No expansion of the current septic permit is being requested.
Total Nitrogen Removal Calculation (per GMP 156)
N/A
Treatment Level
Septic Tank Effluent
Sewage Lift Pump and Tank — One 24" diameter pump basin, 50" tall will be used as a
sewer ejector lift pump basin. The pump operation will be automatic through an
integrated float. A separate alarm will be used to signal a high level event.
Pump tank requirements such as storage above alarm, minimum storage volume, and
manual over ride are waived for this design.
Deviation from regulation justification:
• The sewage ejector only serves one convenience bathroom in the office. If the
sewage ejector malfunctions, the owner has other bathroom facilities in the main
house to use.
24" diameter
1.96 gallons per inch
Invert in @ 24"
Alarm Float = 20"
Pump On - 14"
Pump Off - 6"
Pump Volume = 15.7 gallons
Alarm Storage = 8 gallons
4
Page S� of
Pump Size Calculation
Job Description:
TM 50-49
Pump:
Sewage Pump
Prepared by:
MFC
Date:
11 / 15/2017
Worksheet - Pump Sizing
A)
Desired Pump Capacity
35.00 gpm
B)
IPipe size
2 inch
C)
IPressure loss in 100 ft. of pipe
0.89 psi
D)
I Friction head in 100 ft. of pipe
2.06 ft.
E)
Static head
i) Height from pump to tank outlet
4 ft.
ii) Elevation increase or decrease
4 ft.
F)
Total static head
8 ft
G)
I Friction head
i) Equivalent length of fittings
125 ft.
ii) Distance from pump to outlet
315 ft.
iii) Total equivalent length of pipe
440 ft.
iv) Total effective feet
9.04596 ft.
Headloss through Water Meter
0 ft. 10
psi
[vi)
vii) Headloss through Zone Valve 1
0 ft.
0 psi
viii Head at PM
0 ft.
0 psi
H)
Total friction Head
9.04596
I) ITotal
dynamic head
17.05 ft.
J)
Minimum pump capacity
35.00 gpm
K)
Estimated Velocity
3.82 fps
L) Choose the pump
Little Giant 10SN (35 gpm @ 19')
6 (S
IwLittleGMT
10SN SERIES -112 HP
Sewage and effluent wastewater transfer, dewatering
■ Permanent Split(apadtor(PSC)
■ Energy -saving low amp draw
■ Designed for continuous duty
■ 2" FNPT (51 mm) and 3" FNPT (76.2 mm) discharge models
■ Handles solids up to 2" (51 mm) diameter
■ Multiple switch options for automatic operation
■ 140 OF (60 a() liquid temperature rating
■ c(SAus listed -
115
60
9.5
17
7.5
1000 120 1 95 70 25 10.9
900 120 1 5 70 25 10.8
208/230
50/60 1 45
511346
l0SN-CIA-SFS
1 1/2V1152�MMechanical
ction Float
9"-12"
3-6
210
3751bs
2226 cm-30A8 cm
d62 cm-15.24 cm
61m
17.5 Kg511323
10SN-CIA-RF
1/2hanical
Float
9--14"
2"-6"
210
36.5lbs
22.86 cm-35.56 cm
5cm-15.24 con
61m
16.56 Kg
511326
lOSN-CIA-RF
1/2anical
Float
9'-id"
2"6"
20'
375lbs
22.86cm-3556cm
5cm-15.24 cm
6.1no
17.5 Kg
511344
)0SN-CIM
1/2al
-
_
20'
36.5lbs
16.56 Kg
511322
10SN-CIM
1/2al
-
_
20
35.51bs
16.1 Kg
511328
10 N-CIM
1/2
al
-
_
20
36Ibs
6.1 m
16.33 Kg
al
-
_
20'
36Ibs
6.1 m
16.33 Kg
86
10SN SERIES -112 HP
it
I y�,
10SN-CIA-0
LPM
0 100 200
30
5
0
Is
16
s
0
6
2 g
0 20 40 60
CAPACITY - GPM
10SN-CIA-RF
IOSN-CIA-SFS
13.12"
1054' 9.25"
3333 cm
26.77 cm 23.5cm
IOSN-CIA-RF
11.4"
11.64"
6.8"
28.96 cm
29.5 cm
I7.2P in
10SN-CIM
DA"
11,64'
6.8"
28.96 cm
29.5 cm
12Z7cm
00 400
80 100
9
6
3
H / v
SEWAGE PUMPS
Cover
Epoxy -coated cast iron/
'Thermoplastic
Motor Housing
Epoxy -coated cast iron
Impeller Material
Thermoplastic elastomer
Impeller Type
Non -clog
Volute
Epoxy -coated cast iron
Mechanical Shaft Seal
Nitrile with carbon and ceramic
faces
Fasteners
Stainless steel
Shaft
Steel
Bearings
Upper sinteredsleeve and lower
ball bearin s
Power Cord j
SJTW"SJTOW
un »s modes
'- On 30' IOSN-(IA-RF and 10SN-014 models
Franklin Electric Hotline: 1.&00.701.7894 1 w ..litllegianttom `
LittleGUNT
37M' 1W
ACCESSORIES
fl � Iili tr
APPLICATIONS
■ Indoor high water alarm
FEATURES
E(,a
..-GIMP
■ NEMA 1 thermoplastic enclosure
■ Mechanical float switch with 15 ft (4.6 m) cable
■ Alarm has red LED warning light, horn with
silence switch, and test button
■ 9 VDC battery backup
■ UL and CSA listing
513288 HWAB 115 8,
1.83 m
E ill It r1 tYY 1":
1 Iyl �ji r1t r I}fir �1'Y1t1'!i` \�31, r.
APPLICATIONS _
■ Switch repair kit
FEATURES
■ Easy -to -install, NEMA 1, 3/4 hp device
■ Low-cost alternative to conventional duplex control panels
■ Operates two manual sump, sewage oreffluent pumps
■ Alternates to standby pump if energized pump fails to turn on
■ Audible alarm and red light indicator
■ Operates single-phase pumps with 15 max. run amps
■ cULus listing
513289 1 IDC-415 115 15 9.5'
2.9 m
,IN
APPLICATIONS
■ Indoor/outdoor high water alarm
w
FEATURES {
■ Type 3R watertight thermoplastic enclosure
■ Mechanical float switch with 15 ft (4.6 m) (able
■ Alarm has red warning light, horn with silence switch, and test button
■ Includes pre -mounted terminal block so enclosure can also be used
as a junction box
■ UL and (SA listing
513273 1 3031iWXr 115
APPLICATIONS
■ Remote water sensor and alarm .••
■ Warns of leaks and overflows in bath, kitchen,
laundry, attic, basement, or anywhere there is a ....I
potential for leaks to occur
FEATURES
■ Remote sensor detects water and sounds alarm
■ 85 decibel alarm sounds for three days
■ Sensor and alarm can be placed up to 6 ft apart
■ Sensor has both suction cup and adhesive to secure in place
■ Includes wall mounting hardware
■ Space saving design
■ Circuit test/reset button ensures system is working
■ Low battery signal when battery needs replaced
■ Requires one 9 V battery (not included)
1 513379 1 HW-9 I 9wDC 1
128
Sewage Disposal System Minor Modification Design
THIS PLAN IS BEING SUBMITTED UNDER PROVISION 32.1-163.6 OF THE CODE OF VIRGINIA
AND DOES NOT POSE A GREATER RISK OF MALFUNCTION AS DEFINED IN THE SHDR 350 THAN CURRENT REGULATORY DESIGNS.
TM 50-49
7380 Gordonsville Rd
Gordonsville, VA 22942
2.4 Acres
Bufton, Evelyn & John R Maus
P0Box E
Gordonsville, VA 22942
300 gallon per day system (2 BDR)
STE
New Sewage Ejector Station
Existing 1000 Gallon Septic Tank with effluent filter
Existing Drainfield
Page
Specifications 2
Site Plan 3
Septic Tank Details 4
Sewage Pump Details 5
*CHAEL'
o CRAUN
LICENSE NO.
A 036859
��""ONAL EN�AV
0C
0
M
r%
Old Dominion Engineering
2036 Forest Drive
Waynesboro, Va 22980
Phone: (540) 942-5600
email: olddomeng@ntelos.net
General
1. Modifications or substitutions to the specified equipment or layout must be approved by
the engineer.
2. The contractor should inspect the site prior to submitting an estimate to the owner. Any
potential conflicts should be reported to the engineer. By submitting an estimate the
contractor indicates that he has investigated the site and has found no discrepancies with
the plans and specifications.
3. A preconstruction conference is mandatory before starting installation of the
system. Contact engineer to discuss important aspects of installation. The engineer will
not certify the system at the final inspection unless a preconstruction conference is done
prior to installation.
4. A final inspection is required — The installation must pass inspection by the engineer.
Notify the engineer of the planned inspection date in advance. Prior to final inspection
the contractor should shoot all invert elevations and take as -built triangulation
measurements. The contractor shall provide as -built measurements to all components of
system to the engineer at the final inspection. The OWNER is responsible for paying the
engineer's inspection fees.
5. If adverse subsurface conditions are encountered (rock, groundwater, utilities, etc.)
contact the engineer.
6. If site conditions vary contact the engineer.
7. The contractor is responsible for maintaining all set back distances as required by local
ordinances and health department and payment for all inspections by health department.
8. Installation shall be in accordance with Virginia Department of Health Sewage Handling
and Disposal regulations and in accordance with erosion and sediment control guidelines.
9. A separate Project Manual contains calculations, equipment cut sheets, etc. A separate
package contains AOSE soil information.
10. Notify "MISS Utility" prior to excavation.
Gravity Sewer/Effluent Main/Force Main
1. Gravity sewer from the office to the sewage ejector tank is 4" SCH 40 PVC sewer.
Cleanouts every 50'.
2. Effluent mains shall be 4" schedule 40 PVC and have a slope of 6" per 100' minimum.
3. Force main and pressure piping shall be 2" Schedule 40 PVC .
#�AM F. CRAUN
LICENSE NO.
)NA L E _,
Ldk
Septic Tank
I . Septic Tank - existing. Check tank to make sure it is not leaking and check tees for
alignment. The tank and all seams shall be waterproof.
2. The access port on the outlet end of the tank shall have a 24" waterproof riser. The riser
shall be attached to the tank and sealed.. Riser shall reach the surface and shall be
covered at the surface with lockable, watertight lids.
3. Zabel A300 12x20-VC-Ball effluent filter on tank.
Garage Sewage Ejector Tank
1. 24" diameter Polylok Basin with 24" Heavy Duty Lid. 50" min height. Basin to be
waterproof.
2. Pipe penetrations to be waterproof with Polylok grommets.
3. Inlet to tank shall be 4" SCH 40 PVC. Outlet is 2" SCH 40 PVC.
4. The risers shall extend 2" above final grade and shall be covered at the surface with a
plastic, lockable, watertight lid. The risers shall be 24" in diameter.
5. If rock is encountered in the tank hole then tank shall be bedded with 8" #68 stone. Tank
shall be backfilled in layers with sufficient compaction (> 95% compaction) to avoid
settling. Backfill material shall be free of debris and large stones.
O
6. Tank shall be backfilled in layers with sufficient tamping to avoid settling. Backfill
material shall be free of debris and large stones.
0 POO
Sewage Ejector Pump
•
1. Little Giant 10SN-CIA-RF (1/2 HP). Pump shall deliver 35 gpm @ 19 ft. Pump
operation is to be controlled by an integrated piggyback float. Hardwired electrical
connection in waterproof junction box.
2. Install 3/16 vent hole location before check valve per Little Giant recommendation
O
Alarm Panel
A
1) Indoor/Outdoor Little Giant Alarm 303HWXT Alarm (513273). Alarm to be installed on
office. Alarm to be audiovisual and controlled by float. All electrical connections shall be
hardwired in a waterproof junction box.
O
2
Project Notes/Specifications
1317085
Notes: /
1. Exact location of tanks will vary based upon topography and landscaping.
2. Provide Engineer with proposed as -built triangulation measurements at
preconstmction conference. \
3. Before pricing system installation, the contractor shall inspect the site and
verify dimensions, elevations, and layout of system.
4. Separation distance between building and septic tank, pump tank, header line or force main:
10' - when located below basement floor /
20' - when located above basement floor
5. 5' separation distance between property line or easement from any septic or dripfield component
6. 15' separation to power lines. EXISTING
7. 50' separation from lift station or farce main and well. IIIC WELL
/ I
LAST 5' OF FORCE MAIN / / /
c
IS4"SCH 40 PVC. / / ysce ao ev
ENTER MAIN SEWER /
WITH 4" SCH 40 PVC WYE
/ OFFICE
i
i � I
1 2BDR House
EXISTING
V DRAINFIELD /
i
EXISTING 1000 GALLON TOP SEAM SEPTIC TANKNEW 24" \
NEW ZABEL RISER A3 012X20-VC-BALL
DETAIL 4-1 A \ \ / /
00
CLEANOUT / 2'
4" SCH 40 PVC �
TH
CHAEL F. CRAUN
LICENSE NO.
036859
ANAL EN�AV
SEWAGE EJECTOR
24" POLYLOK BASIN 50" HIGH (MIN)
LITTLE GIANT IOSN-CIA-RF PUMP
LITTLE GIANT HIGH WATER ALARM
DETAIL 5-1,2
4" SCH 40 PVC
CLEANOUT
Sewage Disposal
Site Plan
TM 50-49
7380 Gordonsville Rd
Gordonsville, VA 22942
Scale V = 50'
JM
1mmm
h
Revision
1317085
HOUSE
AND
OFFICE
HOUSE
AND --
OFFICE
i
HIGH PRESSURE SEAL:
(ASTM 1227) (ASTM 92£
CONSEAL CS-102
(ASTM C-990)
PLAN VIEW
USE SILICON ADHESIVE
BETWEEN RISER JOINTS
BRING TO JUST BELOW GRADE
OF EXISTING SLATE PATIO
WITH EZ SET POLY RISERS
SECTION VIEW
NOTES:
I. SEPTIC TANK IS EXISTING 1000 GALLON CONCRETE TANK
2. CHECK INLET - PER VDH SEWAGE DISPOSAL and HANDLING REGS
3. OUTLET WITH NEW EFFLUENT FILTER AND RISER
4. TANKS PENETRATIONS MUST BE WATERPROOFED AND NOT LEAK.
SEAL PIPE PENETRATIONS
5.24" PLASTIC RISER ON OUTLET SIDE OF TANK.
SECTION VIEW
D BOX
yDRAINFIELD
5,000 PSI
REINFORCED
CONCRETE
SCREW DOWN RISERS WITH
f STAINLESS STEEL SCREWS
ST
HIGH PRESSURE SEALS
"STM 1227) (ASTM 923)
D BOX
DRAINFIELD
ZABEL A300-12x20 VC -BALL
EFFLUENT FILTER
EXTEND HANDLE TO
UNDERSIDE OF RISER LID
1000 GALLON MID SEAM SEPTIC TANK
Not To Scale
O
oOA HTOF
Zn '
CRAUN
LICENSE N0. �
q 036859
r O
Septic Tanks Details
I'
1317085
BRING TO 2" ABOVE GRADE
POLY RISERS AND LID
24" HEAVY DUTY
POLYLOK RISER COVER
POLYLOK 24" DIAMETER BASIN
POLYLOK WATERTIGHT GROMMET \ n
OFFICE
4"Sch 40 PVC
High level alarm Float 20"
PVC Float Tree
Check Valve
3/16 vent hole
2" UNION AND 2" BALL VALVE
2"Sch 40 PVC
Pump
LITTLE GIANT IOSN-CIA-RF
SEWAGEPUMP
AUTOMATIC
POLYLOK WATER TIGHT GROMMET
Non -corrosive lift rope
NOTES:
1. SEWAGE EJECTOR PUMP TANK IS NEW 24" DIAMETER X 50" DEEP POLYLOK BASIN
2. INLET - 4" SCH 40 PVC, OUTLET - 2" SCH 40 PVC
3. TANKS PENETRATIONS MUST BE WATERPROOFED AND NOT LEAK; USE POLYLOK GROMMET-
4.24" RISER ON TANK.
5. STRAP ALL PIPING TO TANK WITH PLASTIC STRAPS AND STAINLESS STEEL ANCHORS
6. FLOAT HEIGHTS WILL NEED TO BE ADJUSTED 1F TANK DIMENSIONS VARY FROM 1.96 GAL PER INCH
7. EASY ACCESS TO VALVES AND UNIONS
24" SEWAGE EJECTOR PUMP TANK
SECTION VIEW
EXISTING
4" SEWER
TO
SEPTIC TANK
IIUuIZ11LILUyO
Not To Scale
Polylok 24" Basin
One - 4" penetration (4" Polylok Grommet)
One - 2" penetration IT' Polylok Grommet)
One - I" penetration (1" Polylok Grommet)
Water test prior to backliill
Pipe penetrations in designated spot
Connect segments per
Polylok Installation Instructions
'REW DOWN RISERS WITH
TAANLESS STEEL SCREWS
^� 24" POLYLOK BASIN
G
SECTION VIEW
FL UF�
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Not To Scale
�:r Sewage Ejector Details
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As c& August 16.=Ot9',:34 PNl Z
1W. of,Sttpeti,isors of Ric-htnond Cn' v. Rhoads
Supreme Court of Virginia
August 31, 2017, Decided
Record No. 161209
Reporter
294 Va. 43 *; 803 S.E.2d 329 **: 2017 Va. LEXIS 110 ***: 2017 WL 3765193
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF RICHMOND determination.
COUNTY v. JANIE L. RHOADS, ET AL.
Prior History: [***1] FROM THE CIRCUIT
COURT OF RICHMOND COUNTY. Harry T.
Tahaferro, III, Judge.
fad. n_S'u rvisorsy_. Rhgq&s,._2.016_Yu. L,1 k7S_202
(Va ,f)ec �I 201G1
Disposition: Affirmed.
Case Summary
Overview
HOLDINGS: [ 1 ]-Va. Code Atn7 & 15 2-2 i 11(C)
was correctly applied to conclude that a certificate
issued by a zoning administrator was not void ab
initio where, due to its plain language and remedial
nature, �S 15.2-2311(C) manifestly created at
legislatively-mand.ated limited exception to the
general principle that a building permit issued in
violation of applicable zoning ordinances was void;
[2]-The signed certificate was a written order by the
zoning administrator as it clearly constituted a
determination that the owners' building plans for a
garage complied with the zoning ordinances; [3]-
Pursuant to _; 15.2-2311((), the owners had a
vested right to use their property in the manner
originally approved by the zoning administrator
where approval was within the administrator's
delegated authority, more than 60 clays had passed,
and the owners materially relied upon the
Outcome
Judgment affirmed.
Counsel: For BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF
RICHMOND COUNTY, Appellant:
MCROBERTS, ANDREW RAY, (ESQ.),
MAC:KENZIE, C:HRISTOPHER MICHAEL,
(ESQ.).
For RHOADS, JANIE L., RHOADS, EDMUND,
RHOADS, CRYSTAL, RHOADS, MEADE,
Appellees: MONDAY. MONICA TAYLOR,
(ESQ.), WRIGHT, KATHLEEN LYNCH, (ESQ.),
BUGG, ALBERT DAVIS, JR., (ESQ.), BUGG,
ALBERT DAVIS, III, (ESQ.).
Judges: OPINION BY JUSTIC.'E S. BERNARD
GOODWYN.
Opinion by: S. BERNARD GOODWYN
Opinion
[**331] [*46] PRESENT: All the Justices
OPINION BY JUSTICE S. BERNARD
GOODWYN
In this appeal, we consider whether the circuit court.
erred in applying Code and ruling
That property owners had a vested right to the use of
their property in violation of a zoning ordinance,
when more than 60 days elapsed after the zoning
administrator issued a determination which allowed
John MAUS
294 Va. 43, *46; 803 S.E.2d 329, "331; 2017 Va, LEXIS 110, ***1 Page 2 of 7
that use, and the property owners tn<tterially
changed their position in good faith reliance upon
that determination.
[*47] BACKGROUND
Janie Rhoads, Edmond Rhoads, Crystal Rhoads,
and Meade Rhoads (collectively, the Rhoadses)
own property in Richmond County (the Property),I
On November 13, 2013, the Rhoadses filed all
application for a Zoning Certificate of Compliance
(Application) [***2] to build a "2-story all
unfinished detached garage" (Garage) on the
Property, and attached architectural drawings of the
proposed Garage. The Richmond County (County)
zoning administrator, Morgan Quicke (Quicke),
visited the Property, which has a one-story primary
dwelling, before checking the box for "Approved"
on the Application and signing the Certificate of
Compliance (Certificate) on November 18, 2013.1
The Certificate included instructions regarding how
to appeal if the Application was denied. The
Rhoadses completed the Garage in June 2014 at a
cost of approximately $27,000.
In July 2014, Joseph Quesenberry, the new County
zoning administrator (Quesenberry), informed the
Rhoadses that the previously approved Garage was
in violation of Richmond County Zoning Ordinance
(Zoning Ordinance) Section 2-3-6 (the Ordinance),
because it was taller than the primary stricture on
the Property. On September 24, 2014, a written
notice of zoning violation was sent to the Rhoadses,
advising them that the Garage was in violation of
the Ordinance (Notice).
The Rhoadses appealed the Notice to the County
Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) by letter dated
October 13, 2014. The stated grounds for the appeal
t.Meade Rhoads was not initially a party to the two lawsuits
discussed below, bill he later becane an owner of the Property and
was added as a defendant to the injunction case brought by the Board
by Order dated October 19. 20 t 5.
' Quicke was both the County adrninistwor and the acting County
zoning official at the tine.
were that the [***3] Rhoadses had received a
Certificate of Compliance signed by the County's
zoning administrator, the Rhoadses had relied upon
the Certificate in building the Garage, and, trader
Code ' 15.2_l3' ]LQ, their "rights [had] vested and
the permits for erection of the [Garage] rue not
subject to revocation or reversal." The BZA denied
the Rhoadses' appeal, and affirmed Quesenberry's
decision that the Garage violated the Ordinance.
On February 23, 2015, pursuant to Code �' 1.5.2=
23,/.4, the Rhoadses appealed the BZA's decision by
filing a petition for [*48] certiorari in the Circuit
Court of Richmond County (Rhoadses' Appeal).
The County Board of Supervisors (Board) filed an
answer to the Rhoadses' Appeal and also filed a
complaint for declaratory and injunctive relief
against the Rhoadses, requesting a declaration that
the Garage is in violation of the Ordinance and an
injunction to prevent the continued violation of the
Ordinance (Board Case).
On October 19, 2015, the circuit court held an ore
leaus hearing to address both the Rhoadses' Appeal
and the Board Case, and admitted into evidence a
joint stipulation of undisputed facts and evidence
regarding the history of the Property and the
Garage project. The Rhoadses stipulated that the
Garage [***4] violated the Ordinance, but for the
approval of the zoning administrator, and the Board
stipulated that Quicke visited the Property in
September 2013, and "knew, as of that site visit,
that the primary structure was one-story in height."
Meade Rhoads testified that, prior to beginning the
Garage project, he and his contractor met with the
County code compliance officer at the Property,
and the code compliance officer suggested a two-
story garage. The two-story Garage design was
submitted in the Application, for the zoning
administrator's approval. Quicke acknowledged that
the [**332] Application showed a 14 by 32 feet,
two-story garage, but testified that he did not read
the Application or look at the plan attached to the
Application before signing the Certificate, in his
capacity as the County's zoning administrator. After
John MAUS
294 Va. 43, *48; 803 S.E.2d 329, `*332; 2017 Va. LEXIS 110, *"4
receiving the Certificate, the Rhoadses built the
Garage, according to the plans approved by the
Certificate.
The Rhoadses asserted that the BZA erred by
failing to find that their rights, in the zoning
administrator's initial determination, vested
pursuant to Code cs 15,223116Q. The Board
asserted that Code $ I5.2=2311 did not apply
and that the BZA's decision should be affirmed.
On May 18, 2016, the circuit [***51 court entered
its final order in both cases and held that "Code a
15_2_2_31](C) applies, and the Rhoads[es] have
established their entitlement to relief under that
provision." Accordingly, the circuit court reversed
the BZA decision, and entered judgment in favor of
the Rhoadses in the Rhoadses' Appeal. It also
denied the Board's requests for declaratory and
injunctive relief, and entered _judgment in favor of
the Rhoadses in the Board Case as well.
[*49] The Board appeals both cases.'
ANALYSIS
The Board argues that Co(A-15.2-2311(C) does
not apply, because Quicke "lacked the authoritv to
approve a plain violation of the Zoning Ordinance,
and the Certificate Ire issued was therefore void ob
initio." The Board also claims that ('ode
3311(Cl does not apply in this case because the
Certificate was not a "determination" within the
meaning of the statute. Additionally, it asserts that
the circuit court erred because Code ' 1.5?-2,311(C')
only applies to bar the subsequent actions of a
zoning administrator or other administrative officer,
and not those of any other body, such as the Board
or a court.
The issue on appeal is whether the circuit court
correctly interpreted and applied the terms of Code
yti.......1s:2-?31_l.f.1. This Dour[ reviews the
'The two ceces, which were tried together but nut rurm ily
consolidated in the circuit court, have been joined is this appeal.
Page 3 of 7
interpretation of a statute de novo..Nolte v. M7'
Tech. F,'nters., 11:C, 284 Va. 80 89, 726 S E'.2d 339
3.44(3(W)..
When the language of [***6] a statute is
unambiguous, we are bound by the plain
meaning of that language. Furthermore, we
uzust give effect to the legislature's intention as
expressed by the language used unless a literal
interpretation of the language would result in a
manifest absurdity. If a statue is subject to
more than one interpretation, we must apply the
interpretation that will carry out the legislative
intent behind the statute.
Id. at 89-911. 726 S..1.2c1 at 344,
governs appeals to a board of
zoning appeals. Code - 15.2-23I1(Cl specifically
provides:
In no event shall a written order, requirement;
decision or determination made by the zoning
administrator or other administrative officer be
subject to change, rnodificaaon or reversal by
any >oning administrator or other
achninirtrative officer after 60 days have
elapsed f wn the dale of the written order,
requirement, 1*50f decision or delernxination
where the person aggrieved has materially
changed his position in good faith reliance on
the action of the zoning administrator or other
administrative officer unless it is proven that
such written order, requirement, decision or
determination was obtained through
malfeasance of the zoning administrator or
other administrative officer or through fraud.
The 60-day limitation [***71 period shall not
apply in any case where, with the concurrence
of the attorney for the governing body,
modification is required to correct clerical
errors.
(Emphasis added.)
By its plain terms, the prerequisites for Code-
1.5.2----231I(') to apply are: (1) a "written order,
requirement, decision or determination made by the
John MAUS
294 Va. 43, *50; 803 S.E.2d 329, **332; 2017 Va. LEXIS 110, ***7 Pia` 4 of 7
zoning administrator;" (2) the passage of at least 60
days from the zoning administrator's determination;
and (3) a material change in position "in good faith
reliance on the action of the zoning administrator."
[**333] It is agreed that more than 60 days
elapsed between the zoning administrator's initial
approval of the zoning and his successor's later
assertion of a zoning violation; Quesenberry did not
advise the Rhoadses that the Garage violated the
Ordinance until more than 240 clays after Quicke
signed tine Certificate, approving the Garage. It is
also undisputed that the Rhoadses materially
changed their position in good faith reliance on the
zoning administrator's approval of the zoning for
their building plans, because they built the Garage
at a cost of nearly $27,000.
The Board claims that the circuit court erred in
applying Code §_,15 ?-7.311-(..C1, because the zoning
administrator granted a Certificate that was [***8]
in clear violation of the Zoning Ordinance, and that
the Certificate was therefore void ab initio and
could not be a "written order, requirement, decision
or determination" under Coclgl5,2-23.1,1_((.:. In
support of its position, the County notes that this
Court has previously held that a landowner had no
rights in a building permit that was issued in
violation of applicable zoning ordinances. See
B1.ac1csbjgg v. .Price 22.1 Ea 668,_C70-71. 2L6(i
S_13,2d 899, 90f1-o.1 r1980J (holding that a building
permit issued at variance with the zoning ordinance
was "void ab inilio" and "no vested rights were
acquired [thereunder] by the permittee"); [*51]
H2YV lnc. a .Yuji ' 2.19 La. i? 03-64_ 244.S'.F.2d
7¢(1 764 (1-978), (.concluding that a building permit
issued in violation of the zoning ordinance was
"void"): and SeralO v. (:it' a .iVew ws,_�()9
Va 259 �6l 6-') 163__ S,E 2(1._ 135,-.-.-_137._(I)(hy).
(same).
As noted by the Board, prior to 1995 administrative
zoning decisions that violated the zoning laws were
void and property owners bore the sole
responsibility for the consequences of a.
government's zoning misudce.:S'ee, e.g., Setrnl(yf
209 f'aLL rat ?61-62, 163 S.1_2d,crr 137. However, in
1995, the General Assembly enacted the "vested
rights" provision currently codified in Code 9 15,2-
'.iT-J(Q-- 1995 Acts ch. 424. The plain language of
Code c 1.5__2-2311(C'I_ indicates that the statute is
intended to eliminate the hardship property owners
have suffered when they rely to their detriment
upon erroneous or void zoning decisions.
We have characterized [***9] as remedial those
statutes that provide protections to those otherwise
not in a position to effectively defend themselves.
See, e.g., C Donner crnl (on vt - cicdtle s 1"c. v.
A L1 (�onstr. Al M ( rn�L, -'42 Va. 102�P.S-06.
405 S 1'__2_d,.8 2 854, 7 Va _L,taw 12e1,.-287,3„(1991 j
(concluding that a statute regarding bond
requirements for contractors who contract with
public agencies was remedial, because it was
designed to protect subcontractors and materialmen
who could not perfect mechanic's liens against
public property); GovernLnqLy. F}nps_/ns(_o...'
1_lr4read Servs. Auto. if ss'n. 281 Va. 647, Oi 7LZ08
S_];_2c!k77,.,._SF13.-_(2O1.1j. (explaining that "Code §
38.2-2204, the omnibus clause, is a remedial statute
enacted to serve the public policy of broadening the
coverage of automobile liability insurance for the
protection of the injured persons").
2371� is a remedial stahue.
The remedial purpose of Code _15 2_2.311 jC1 is to
provide relief and protection to property owners
who detrimentally rely in good faith upon
erroneous zoning determinations and who would
otherwise suffer loss because of their reliance upon
the zoning adninistrator's error. A statute that is
remedial in nature is "liberally construed so that the
purpose intended may be accomplished," and is to
be "read so as to promote the ability of the
enactment to remedy the mischief at which it is
directed." :J%lanu v,(rl IC.O_Cos C ,29s 1 a.37,1,.
389 798 S',�.2c1 Sy8, 6f)8 ('?O1J. (citations and
internal quotation marks omitted).
[*52] Considering the plain language and remedial
nature of the [***10] statute, t ode�_1J 223,1].(C
manifestly creates a legislatively -mandated limited
John MAUS
294 Va. 43, *52: 803 S.E.2d 329, **333; 2017 Va. LEXIS 110. *"10
Page i of 7
exception to the.judicially-created general principle
that a building permit issued in violation of
applicable zoning ordinances is void. ,See 7var-d-e(
y. Powhalan_._I_illcwe Homeot ners_Ass''n. 291 I%ra:.
269, 276 n.4. 784 Y.1,-:.2d 280 283 n d (2016)
(noting that "[a]brogation of the common law
requires that the General Assembly plainly manifest
all intent to do so") (citation and internal quotation
marks omitted). As this Court has previously noted,
"Cork.__-U-2--231RQ p-ovicle[s] for the
potential vesting of a right to use property in a
manner [**3341 that 'otherwise would not have
been allowed."' C;na�onat>ct v Board of loning
lrpcnls,_. �75 Va... 32. 244 657 S,/ �d 1.53, 160
L2(X)el (citation omitted). The circuit court did not
err in rejecting the Board's claim that the Certificate
was void ab initio because the Certificate granted a
right to use property in a manner that otherwise
would not have been allowed under the Zoning
Ordinance.
The Board claims that even if the Certificate was
not void ab inilio, the signed Certificate was still
not a "written order, requirement, decision or
determination" by the zoning administrator. We
disagree.
In issuing the Certificate, the zoning administrator
necessarily made a determination that the building
Plans complied with the Zoning Ordinance in all
respects. See Zoning Ordinance Section 3-7-I(A)
(providing that a certificate of [***111 compliance
will be issued "for those proposals which have
obtained all necessary approvals and permits and
comply with this [Zoning] Ordinance") and Section
5-3 (defining the term "certificate of compliance"
as "[c]ertification by the Land LJse Administrator
that the plans are in compliance with this [Zoning]
Ordinance"). Although the Board argues to the
contrary, it is irrelevant that the decision or
determination evidenced by the Certificate makes
no reference to the height of the Garage or to the
zoning administrator's intent to waive the
requirements of the Zoning Ordinance. Such
specificity is not required by Code ,'_15.2-2311 '
The issuance of the Certificate clearly constitutes a
decision or determination by the zoning
administrator that the building plans complied with
the Zoning Ordinance.
f *,531 The conclusion that the Certificate
constitutes a determination by the zoning
administrator is consistent with our print cases
involving (ndeS1'._,15 2-1. 11(( In No Falk 10.2,.
I1,C v. Cih of'Nor o11r 285 L'a. 340 354-SG ?38
S.F..2d 895.__90312(J13), we held that Code ;+ 15.2-
2311/C'1 did not apply to a "Cash Receipt" signed
by a zoning administrator, because that document
"was not a specific determination by the zoning
administrator or any other City official that either
of these businesses could use their respective
premises in a [Wanner not otherwise
allowed [***121 under the zoning ordinances in
effect at that time." Similarly, in nines v. CiCv o_'
Fulls ('hunch 280 Vq I...44_ 694 5,1',2d 568,_575
(201(J, we held that a zoning administrator's mere
"interpretation" of a zoning ordinance "lacked the
finality of an 'order, requirement, decision or
determination' under (f e_.— __/ S 2-231,1((1," such
that no vesting occurred.
In contrast, the Certificate was a written
determination by the zoning administrator that a
particular building plan on a particuhu' property
complied with the applicable zoning ordinances. It
affirmatively approved the zoning for the Garage
project at issue. The Certificate was a final
determination, as this Court has required. See
Jg aes_211(1 I%i _ 'a 44 _6l� 5,1 __cf at �:S (a zoning
interpretation lacks the finality of an 'order.
requirement, decision or determination" under
The Certificate itself
provided notice that the zoning administrator's
decision was appealable, which demonstrates that
tie zoning administrator's involvement was final
after he signed the Certificate. Thus, the Certificate
was a determination by the zoning administrator
which satisfied that requirement under Cadet lS 2_
23. ).
The Board also claims that Code s+ 15.2-2311L1
only binds a zoning administrator, but need not and
John MAUS
294 Va. 43, '53; 803 S.E.2d 329, **334; 2017 Va. LEXIS 110. `**12 Page 6 of 7
should not be considered by any other body such as
a board or a court in determining if there is
an [***13] enforceable violation of a zoning
ordinance. In support of its position, the Board
notes that this Court stated in James that Code ,
Z5.2-2,11f() ,only limits the subsequent actions of
a 'zoning administrator or other administrative
Officer."' and "[t]he Planning Commission,
however, is neither." Zd. at 43�694 S.E:.2d chi 375.
The quoted language from .lames should not be
interpreted as allowing the BZA kind the Board to
ignore the requirements of and to evade the
application of Code- c 1.51-22311((1 in malting the
[*54] determination of whether there is an
enforceable violation of a zoning ordinance. In
James, the appeal concerned a decision made by a
Planning commission. The planning commission,
not the zoning administrator, had authority over the
issue of approving the subdivision and
consolidation [**335] of properties which the
landowner requested. We noted that "(;'ode 1.5.2-
2311(C1 [was] not applicable" to protect a property
owner against an adverse decision by a planning
commission regarding the subdivision and
consolidation of several properties after the zoning
administrator issued all "interpretation" that such a
consolidation was permitted by the Zoning
Ordinance. 280 Viz. 43-44. 694 S.f;.2d at 574-75.
Because there was only an interpretation, and no
determination by a "zoning administrator or other
administrative officer," we concluded that [***14]
this prerequisite for the application of Conk, �1_i?_
23_[ 1 /C1. was not present in that case. There was no
vesting of a zoning determination, because no
zoning determination was made by the zoning
administrator. Cade 15.2-231.1(C only provides
for vesting after a zoning determination. (.,ode '
15 2-231 LLO could not possibly apply to limit the
subsequent actions of the planning commission.
The issue of whether Code 4 .15.2-2311� must be
considered by other entities involved in the
enforcement of a zoning orclinanee, after a zoning
administrator makes a decision or determination
which is relied upon by a property owner, was not
before the Court in Jaynes. By its terms, Cade 55
15.2-23.11((,' and its vesting provisions must be
considered and enforced by a BZA, a board of
supervisors, or a court in making a zoning
determination or reviewing its correctness, if the
prerequisites for the application of tine statute are
satisfied.`+
[*5.5] A zoning administrator is a representative of
his or her board of supervisors.' Board o('
SYPcrnus rs- v. Bo I of /onrrz ,flPl7ecr7s 368 y"v.
1¢I 450->! 601..-._ 1 12d .-._7 12 (2(JIJ4). "[A]
principal is bound by representations of his agent,
made either in the scope of his employment or in
furtherance of the object for which he is
employed." �ratignr ide._Ins:.._C' ._v_..__!'cz,[tersgrr,_ 229
c,i. 627 632. 331 5.1-. 2d 490 493 (19Q (internal
quotation marks omitted). Thus, when a zoning
administrator has acted within the scope of his
employment and [***15] made a "decision" or
"determination" within the meaning of C2de_y4
15 ?-23.I1(_Cl, he or she has also bound the 'board of
supervisors. It Code 15 2-2011,(C) did not bind
the board of supervisors as the zoning
administrator's principal, it would afford scant, it'
any, protection to the property owner, and would
not serve to "remedy the mischief at which [the
statute] is directed." rvIuriy 293 Va. at0,89._1,98
S_L;2d at 608. The remedial purpose of the statute
requires the statute to be interpreted so as to
provide relief and protection to property owners
'Byway of example, if n landowner appeals a zoning administrators
notice of violation to a bonrd of zoning appeals, the board of zoning
appeals should consider whether the zoning administrator had the
right to issue such a violation under Codej.., TS,I-;'311 r(:J. As we
noted in Goyonaga, the property owner has the "burden of
establishing the vesting of a right to an otherwise impermissible ose
of property uader C vd� 8_l,t r J1t/(t). e 5 l'o,_nt-141 Gr7.S,L..)d
at OP. If the zoning administrator is barred from changing his or her
prior determination by Co,k § 15.2-1311tC), the board of zoning
appeals must consider that statute in determining whether the zoning
administrator erred in finding there was an enforceable violation of
the zoning ordinance by the landowner.
`Zoning Ordinance Section 5-3 defines the "land use administrator"
as "[t]he representative of the Riclunond County Board of
supervisors who has been appointed to serve as the agent of the
Governing Body in administering this Ordinance."
John MAUS
r
Page 7 of 7
294 Va. 43, *55: 803 S.E.2d 329, ""335: 2017 Va. LEXIS 110, ."15
who rely in good taith upon erroneous zoning
determinations.
In this instance, the approval of the Certificate was
an action within the scope of the authority
delegated by the Board to the zoning administrator.
The issuance of the Certificate constituted a
determination within the meaning of ('gde ��__7_>,_'-
2IIfC1. Also, more than 60 days elapsed after the
zoning administrator issued his determination that
the Garage complied with the Zoning Ordinance,
and the Rhoadses materially changed their position
in reliance upon that determination. Thus. the
prerequisites for the application of Code $ 15.3-
?311 (C) are present in this case.
The Rhoadses' rights in using their property in the
manner initially approved by the zoning
administrator vested upon fulfillment [***16] of
the requirements of Cnde....S.1,5,2-,?3111( J.. Once
their rights vested under C,_ode �' 15_?_2.41Z(Ci, they
were not subject to alteration [**336] by the
zoning administrator, the BZA or the Board.
Therefore, the circuit court did not err in applying
Cor.Jr_._ 1S.1-,'3J1IC to uphold the Rhoadses'
vested rights to use their property in the manner
originally approved by the zoning administrator.
[*56] CONCLUSION
Accordingly, for the foregoing reasons, we will
affirm the judgments of the Circuit Court of
Richmond County.
:41firrned.
Eud orllncumeul
John MAUS