Greenville Board Denies Deck Variance Request

News Summary

In a recent meeting, the Greenville Board of Zoning Appeals unanimously rejected a homeowner’s request to extend a backyard deck into designated setback space. The homeowner aimed to reduce the required 15-foot setback by 8 feet, citing unique land conditions including a downward slope and floodplain. Despite community support, zoning staff highlighted that the request did not meet necessary criteria, thereby complicating its approval. This decision underscores the importance of adhering to zoning laws and sets a precedent for future variance requests in the area.

Greenville Board Turns Down Deck Variance Request

In a recent meeting that sparked discussions among residents, the Greenville Board of Zoning Appeals made a decision regarding a homeowner’s request to build a **_backyard deck_** that would have extended into required setback space. For those unfamiliar with zoning laws, a variance is needed when a property owner wants to deviate from the established requirements – in this case, the rear building setback requirement.

The Details of the Property

The homeowner in question lives at 11 Springhouse Way, conveniently located near Parkins Mill Road and Interstate 85. This piece of land sits on a noticeable downward slope and features a floodplain that limits its usability. Because of these unique conditions, the homeowner aimed to extend an existing deck, encroaching eight feet into the legally required setback. This adjustment would have reduced the required setback from 15 feet down to just 7 feet.

Understanding the Setback Requirement

The Greenville Development Code has laid out specific rules regarding setbacks to help ensure that homes and other structures are built with adequate spacing from property lines. A 15-foot setback is required between primary structures and the rear property line. However, there is a small silver lining in the form of an allowance under Section 19 of the code, which permits a reduction to 12 feet if the addition is something unenclosed, like a deck that doesn’t have walls.

The Recommendation from Zoning Staff

Upon examining the homeowner’s request, zoning staff appeared skeptical and recommended denial. Their assessment noted that the property did not meet the necessary criteria for such a variance, which made it clear that this was going to be a tough sell for the homeowner. Should the board have been inclined to approve the variance, a supermajority vote – that is, a two-thirds majority – would have been needed due to the negative recommendation by the zoning staff.

Community Support for the Deck

The Board’s Final Decision

What’s Next for the Homeowner?

As the community watches and waits, the decision from the Greenville Board serves as a reminder that zoning laws and regulations can often be fraught with challenges and considerations. City planning is always a balancing act between individual desires, community needs, and regulatory frameworks.

In Summary

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Additional Resources

• Greenville Board of Zoning Appeals Denies Setback Variance
• New Music Venue Planned Downtown Greenville
• Mosaic Greenville Gateway Plans Headline Project Preview Meeting
• Google Search: Greenville zoning laws
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Zoning