The lot is hilly, with a deep ravine on one side, and the only flat area where the pool will go. An existing septic field and sewage reserve area may not be disturbed. All of this leaves the proposed location the only place on the lot where the garage can be constructed. This is a single-family residential area which was previously farmland. Although the transportation buffer has been part of the Zoning Ordinance for at least a decade, several existing buildings intrude into the buffer, including two old barns and a single-family residence, and staff believes that approval of the garage would not be at variance with the existing pattern of development.
Staff recommends approval.
Ms. Mriscin said she assumes the 75-foot buffer is to allow road widening, and it appears that the road is being widened at this time. Ms. Grover replied she spoke to the State Highway Administration, and their comment was that there are no plans to widen the road at this time. She said there is room on the opposite side of the road to widen it, if need be. Mr. Murphy added that there are other reasons for the setback, including one that there be no sight obstruction for people traveling the road, to allow drainage areas, and for other reasons. Ms. Grover added she believes the genesis of the buffer was to allow for road widening, but there has been an ongoing conversation during the writing the ULDC as to the purpose of the setback.