The approval of the 9,000 square-foot home is located in the Historic District at 8 Bay Avenue exposed flaws in Cape Charles’ ordinances, and its ability to control development. In a letter to the Planning Commission, citizen Hank Mayer summed up the issue that many had with the new home, “Although it meets existing zoning and building ordinance requirements, it will not look and be like any other home in the District. I feel that we need to limit the combining of multiple lots and building of similar huge out of character mansions in the District.”
According to staff, “determining maximum and minimum dwelling unit size is important in reconciling future development with existing structures; important for property owners to have an unambiguous and quantifiable understanding of regulations on their development rights; and important for reconciling development footprint with lot size.”
The current ordinance does not take into account maximum dwelling size. Draft language, shown below attempts at alleviate issues with the current ordinance:
The minimum dwelling unit size shall be 960 square feet and the maximum dwelling unit size shall be 4,500 square feet on any lot or contiguous assemblage of lots under common ownership.
Specific dwelling unit square footage relative to the square footage of any lot or contiguous assemblage of lots under common ownership shall be
a. Lots or contiguous assemblage of lots under common ownership up to 5,600 square feet dwelling units shall be a minimum of 960 and a maximum of 2,400 square feet
b. Lots or contiguous assemblage of lots under common ownership of 5,601 to 8,400 square feet dwelling units shall be a minimum of 960 and a maximum of 3,000 square feet
c. Lots or contiguous assemblage of lots under common ownership above 8,400 square feet dwelling units shall be a minimum of 960 and a maximum of 4,500 square feet
Detached accessory use buildings, at grade patios, and uncovered decks shall not be included in calculating the dwelling unit square footage.
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It seems unnecessary to add a minimum size the since value of land and market forces will serve to dictate that a “too small” house will not be constructed on valuable land.
The final plan to be submitted to TC also excludes covered decks, covered porches and covered walkways from the basic sq. footage calculation.
Yawhol!!! Ze rules must be observed!!! Totally and completely!!!!!
Give up ze power to an unelected body, THAT’S the path to prosperity!!!!!!