HomeMy WebLinkAboutVA199600018 Correspondence 1996-11-20 -0) (e)
NOV 2 7 LJ 480 Ivy Farm Drive
BEMARLE COUNTY Charlottesville, VA 22901
ZONING DEPARTMENT
November 20, 1996
Department of Zoning Services
401 McIntire Road, Room 223
Charlottesville, VA 22902-4596.
Dear Ms. Sprinkle,
Thank you for your notification regarding our neighbor Stephen Parks' request for a
variance to decrease the setback between two dwelling units on his property from 50' to
8'. We are opposed to the granting of this variance. We feel the granting of the variance
would create a bad precedent because it changes the character of the subdivision if
substantial structures can be built so close together and, especially, if the dwelling units
would then be able to convey separately. This is not at all desirable. The new dwelling
unit is of considerable size (-3,000 sq. ft.) and has diminished the quality of our view by
creating the impression of a more densely built up neighborhood. The plans for
construction which were approved by the Architectural Review Committee of the Ivy
Farm Homeowners subdivision included a structure connecting the two dwelling units.
Thus it appears that Mr. Parks submitted one set of plans to obtain permission, both from
the subdivision and the county, but has, in fact, built a different structure, and is now
attempting to have the new building classified as a separate dwelling. It is our
understanding that the request for a variance does not meet the requirements necessary for
it to be granted. That is, the property owner suffers no hardship (indeed, he has
obstructed not only his view but ours!); he is requesting something unique in asking the
present rules be modified for him and thirdly, the granting of the variance would change
the character of the district by allowing property owners to build (and possibly rent or
subdivide) without reasonable space between buildings. Thank you for advising us about
this request. We are very strongly opposed to the variance being granted and plan to
attend the hearing.
Yours sincerely,
Thomas and Roberta Platts- 'lls
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