2022.07.28 BOA Meeting

Woodford Board of Adjustment Meeting Recap – July 28, 2022

The Woodford Board of Adjustment convened on July 28, 2022, with Chair Susanna Carver presiding. The meeting was attended by all board members and included presentations from town staff and the applicant for a key variance request. While initial conversation touched on current supply chain challenges impacting appliance availability, the primary focus of the evening centered around a proposal at 9999 Elk Mountain Road.

The core discussion revolved around a variance request submitted by property owners Ryan Lewis and Jack Marquez, seeking permission to modify an existing garage accessory structure on their property for use as a single-family residence. Represented by Lobo Builders’ Thomas Wolfe, the applicants assured the Board that they would not be expanding the garage's footprint and intended only to convert it into a one-bedroom home, maintaining the existing roofline and exterior walls. Town staff, including Petrie and Eisenhower, presented background information, noting the garage currently sits within the required front yard setback, rendering it non-conforming under Section 54341 of the zoning ordinance. A key point raised by Town Manager Shannon Tech clarified that subdivisions require conforming parcels, and the property was subdivided after construction of the garage. Board member Scott Hanson’s inquiry regarding lot size and subdivision timing further illuminated this point.

Following a period of deliberation, the Board unanimously approved the variance request (vote: Aye - all present). Chair Carver emphasized that decisions should be based on "competent, relevant, and substantial evidence," reinforcing the Board’s commitment to sound decision-making. This approval allows property owners Lewis and Marquez to proceed with their plans for converting the existing garage into a single-family residence, subject to the drafting of a formal written decision.

Looking ahead, town staff will now draft that written decision outlining the Board's rationale for approving the variance. This document will be distributed to the applicants and other parties with notification rights. The Board's decision impacts residents by allowing for a potential new housing option within the community, while upholding zoning regulations regarding property subdivisions and ensuring compliance with established ordinances. The next scheduled Board of Adjustment meeting will be announced in due course.