Massive home addition causes confusion in Fairfax County neighborhood

[Anonymous]

Because the front yard is measured from the forward-most wall, the addition shrinks that significantly. there might be just enough area for two car wide pad, but it is very close to hitting 30%, and very well could go over.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If he's not changing that area back to a garage, I'm curious where he's going to find 2 off street parking spaces.

He's built the addition into where those cars are parked.

Part of it, yes. But it looks like there would still be ebough space if he extends the parking pad to the sidewalk.

He probably wouldn't ever use it, but I think it would try technically satisify the parking requirement.

Cars are not supposed to park on the sidewalk. With the addition using driveway space, is there room there for a car to park without being over the sidewalk? Also, with the addition of so many extra bedrooms, will there be adults who own cars living in those rooms? Will they all be parking on the street?

And if there isn’t room room to park easily in the driveway, doesn’t that show more of a possible adverse effect on the neighborhood if two or more cars will be regularly parked on the street? One could argue that the extra cars regularly parked on the street would narrow the space for cars to pass on the street, making it more difficult to navigate the area safely. There would definitely be effects on safety and quality of life for residents.

I don't have measurements, but it doesn't look like the addition extends forward from house enough that there wouldn't be space between the addition and the sidewalk. Maybe not for a Surburban, but a car should fit fine. And if that's enough for one, then it should be enough for two- with the other one next to it.

Unless that would push them over 30% of the front yard. Which it very well could.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If he's not changing that area back to a garage, I'm curious where he's going to find 2 off street parking spaces.

He's built the addition into where those cars are parked.

Part of it, yes. But it looks like there would still be ebough space if he extends the parking pad to the sidewalk.

He probably wouldn't ever use it, but I think it would try technically satisify the parking requirement.

Cars are not supposed to park on the sidewalk. With the addition using driveway space, is there room there for a car to park without being over the sidewalk? Also, with the addition of so many extra bedrooms, will there be adults who own cars living in those rooms? Will they all be parking on the street?

And if there isn’t room room to park easily in the driveway, doesn’t that show more of a possible adverse effect on the neighborhood if two or more cars will be regularly parked on the street? One could argue that the extra cars regularly parked on the street would narrow the space for cars to pass on the street, making it more difficult to navigate the area safely. There would definitely be effects on safety and quality of life for residents.

Street parking is already allowed and done in that neighborhood. That's not an adverse impact. It has a side effect of slowing cars down on the road.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If he's not changing that area back to a garage, I'm curious where he's going to find 2 off street parking spaces.

He's built the addition into where those cars are parked.

Part of it, yes. But it looks like there would still be ebough space if he extends the parking pad to the sidewalk.

He probably wouldn't ever use it, but I think it would try technically satisify the parking requirement.

Cars are not supposed to park on the sidewalk. With the addition using driveway space, is there room there for a car to park without being over the sidewalk? Also, with the addition of so many extra bedrooms, will there be adults who own cars living in those rooms? Will they all be parking on the street?

And if there isn’t room room to park easily in the driveway, doesn’t that show more of a possible adverse effect on the neighborhood if two or more cars will be regularly parked on the street? One could argue that the extra cars regularly parked on the street would narrow the space for cars to pass on the street, making it more difficult to navigate the area safely. There would definitely be effects on safety and quality of life for residents.

Street parking is already allowed and done in that neighborhood. That's not an adverse impact. It has a side effect of slowing cars down on the road.

That’s irrelevant since Fairfax County requires off street parking.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The homeowner changed his approved plans from a garage to a window/door at the 1st floor front of the home. The homeowner applied for this as an Amendment to his original permit but the county has not approved it yet. However, the homeowner has already constructed the addition in this front area in a way he’s seeking in the amendment. There are now steps built going from the old garage space (now door/window) to the driveway. Obviously not going to be a garage.

Those steps come further out into the front yard than the original plans. The original approved permit showed the plans at a 21 ft front setback, so county approved as meeting the front setback requirements.

Now with the garage redesign and added steps, is the homeowner still within the County’s 20 ft minimum for the front setback?

So is tge homeowner just deliberately building whatever he wants in complete violation of zoning laws and in contradiction to his permits, with a plan to just get approval after the fact?

So can everyone else doing renovations in Fairfax County use the same method?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If he's not changing that area back to a garage, I'm curious where he's going to find 2 off street parking spaces.

He's built the addition into where those cars are parked.

Part of it, yes. But it looks like there would still be ebough space if he extends the parking pad to the sidewalk.

He probably wouldn't ever use it, but I think it would try technically satisify the parking requirement.

Cars are not supposed to park on the sidewalk. With the addition using driveway space, is there room there for a car to park without being over the sidewalk? Also, with the addition of so many extra bedrooms, will there be adults who own cars living in those rooms? Will they all be parking on the street?

And if there isn’t room room to park easily in the driveway, doesn’t that show more of a possible adverse effect on the neighborhood if two or more cars will be regularly parked on the street? One could argue that the extra cars regularly parked on the street would narrow the space for cars to pass on the street, making it more difficult to navigate the area safely. There would definitely be effects on safety and quality of life for residents.

Street parking is already allowed and done in that neighborhood. That's not an adverse impact. It has a side effect of slowing cars down on the road.

That’s irrelevant since Fairfax County requires off street parking.

Yes, and if he creates two spots then there isn't anything to complain about there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If he's not changing that area back to a garage, I'm curious where he's going to find 2 off street parking spaces.

He's built the addition into where those cars are parked.

Part of it, yes. But it looks like there would still be ebough space if he extends the parking pad to the sidewalk.

He probably wouldn't ever use it, but I think it would try technically satisify the parking requirement.

Cars are not supposed to park on the sidewalk. With the addition using driveway space, is there room there for a car to park without being over the sidewalk? Also, with the addition of so many extra bedrooms, will there be adults who own cars living in those rooms? Will they all be parking on the street?

And if there isn’t room room to park easily in the driveway, doesn’t that show more of a possible adverse effect on the neighborhood if two or more cars will be regularly parked on the street? One could argue that the extra cars regularly parked on the street would narrow the space for cars to pass on the street, making it more difficult to navigate the area safely. There would definitely be effects on safety and quality of life for residents.

I don't have measurements, but it doesn't look like the addition extends forward from house enough that there wouldn't be space between the addition and the sidewalk. Maybe not for a Surburban, but a car should fit fine. And if that's enough for one, then it should be enough for two- with the other one next to it.

Unless that would push them over 30% of the front yard. Which it very well could.

We have a side by side with a single car entryway from the road.

You need around a minimum of 8-10 feet of driveway from the back bumper to the entry point to get both cars into the driveway without driving through the yard. This is for cars and smaller SUV type cars. For larger SUVs, minivans and trucks, you need the full 10 feet from the back bumper.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If he's not changing that area back to a garage, I'm curious where he's going to find 2 off street parking spaces.

He's built the addition into where those cars are parked.

Part of it, yes. But it looks like there would still be ebough space if he extends the parking pad to the sidewalk.

He probably wouldn't ever use it, but I think it would try technically satisify the parking requirement.

Cars are not supposed to park on the sidewalk. With the addition using driveway space, is there room there for a car to park without being over the sidewalk? Also, with the addition of so many extra bedrooms, will there be adults who own cars living in those rooms? Will they all be parking on the street?

And if there isn’t room room to park easily in the driveway, doesn’t that show more of a possible adverse effect on the neighborhood if two or more cars will be regularly parked on the street? One could argue that the extra cars regularly parked on the street would narrow the space for cars to pass on the street, making it more difficult to navigate the area safely. There would definitely be effects on safety and quality of life for residents.

Street parking is already allowed and done in that neighborhood. That's not an adverse impact. It has a side effect of slowing cars down on the road.

That’s irrelevant since Fairfax County requires off street parking.

Yes, and if he creates two spots then there isn't anything to complain about there.

The second spot will not be functional with a shortened driveway and single entry.

The 2nd spot will essentially be a weird front yard concrete patio.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If he's not changing that area back to a garage, I'm curious where he's going to find 2 off street parking spaces.

He's built the addition into where those cars are parked.

Part of it, yes. But it looks like there would still be ebough space if he extends the parking pad to the sidewalk.

He probably wouldn't ever use it, but I think it would try technically satisify the parking requirement.

Cars are not supposed to park on the sidewalk. With the addition using driveway space, is there room there for a car to park without being over the sidewalk? Also, with the addition of so many extra bedrooms, will there be adults who own cars living in those rooms? Will they all be parking on the street?

And if there isn’t room room to park easily in the driveway, doesn’t that show more of a possible adverse effect on the neighborhood if two or more cars will be regularly parked on the street? One could argue that the extra cars regularly parked on the street would narrow the space for cars to pass on the street, making it more difficult to navigate the area safely. There would definitely be effects on safety and quality of life for residents.

Street parking is already allowed and done in that neighborhood. That's not an adverse impact. It has a side effect of slowing cars down on the road.

That’s irrelevant since Fairfax County requires off street parking.

Yes, and if he creates two spots then there isn't anything to complain about there.

The second spot will not be functional with a shortened driveway and single entry.

The 2nd spot will essentially be a weird front yard concrete patio.

It is expressly allowed to have parking spots that are only accessible by moving another parked car.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If he's not changing that area back to a garage, I'm curious where he's going to find 2 off street parking spaces.

He's built the addition into where those cars are parked.

Part of it, yes. But it looks like there would still be ebough space if he extends the parking pad to the sidewalk.

He probably wouldn't ever use it, but I think it would try technically satisify the parking requirement.

Cars are not supposed to park on the sidewalk. With the addition using driveway space, is there room there for a car to park without being over the sidewalk? Also, with the addition of so many extra bedrooms, will there be adults who own cars living in those rooms? Will they all be parking on the street?

And if there isn’t room room to park easily in the driveway, doesn’t that show more of a possible adverse effect on the neighborhood if two or more cars will be regularly parked on the street? One could argue that the extra cars regularly parked on the street would narrow the space for cars to pass on the street, making it more difficult to navigate the area safely. There would definitely be effects on safety and quality of life for residents.

I don't have measurements, but it doesn't look like the addition extends forward from house enough that there wouldn't be space between the addition and the sidewalk. Maybe not for a Surburban, but a car should fit fine. And if that's enough for one, then it should be enough for two- with the other one next to it.

Unless that would push them over 30% of the front yard. Which it very well could.

We have a side by side with a single car entryway from the road.

You need around a minimum of 8-10 feet of driveway from the back bumper to the entry point to get both cars into the driveway without driving through the yard. This is for cars and smaller SUV type cars. For larger SUVs, minivans and trucks, you need the full 10 feet from the back bumper.

You're making up a requirement.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If he's not changing that area back to a garage, I'm curious where he's going to find 2 off street parking spaces.

He's built the addition into where those cars are parked.

Part of it, yes. But it looks like there would still be ebough space if he extends the parking pad to the sidewalk.

He probably wouldn't ever use it, but I think it would try technically satisify the parking requirement.

Cars are not supposed to park on the sidewalk. With the addition using driveway space, is there room there for a car to park without being over the sidewalk? Also, with the addition of so many extra bedrooms, will there be adults who own cars living in those rooms? Will they all be parking on the street?

And if there isn’t room room to park easily in the driveway, doesn’t that show more of a possible adverse effect on the neighborhood if two or more cars will be regularly parked on the street? One could argue that the extra cars regularly parked on the street would narrow the space for cars to pass on the street, making it more difficult to navigate the area safely. There would definitely be effects on safety and quality of life for residents.

Street parking is already allowed and done in that neighborhood. That's not an adverse impact. It has a side effect of slowing cars down on the road.

That’s irrelevant since Fairfax County requires off street parking.

Yes, and if he creates two spots then there isn't anything to complain about there.

The second spot will not be functional with a shortened driveway and single entry.

The 2nd spot will essentially be a weird front yard concrete patio.

It is expressly allowed to have parking spots that are only accessible by moving another parked car.

But if the driveway is as long as the car, he cannot access the spot even if he mives the other car, without driving over the sidewalk and easement.

It is not going to be a functional parking spot

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If he's not changing that area back to a garage, I'm curious where he's going to find 2 off street parking spaces.

He's built the addition into where those cars are parked.

Part of it, yes. But it looks like there would still be ebough space if he extends the parking pad to the sidewalk.

He probably wouldn't ever use it, but I think it would try technically satisify the parking requirement.

Cars are not supposed to park on the sidewalk. With the addition using driveway space, is there room there for a car to park without being over the sidewalk? Also, with the addition of so many extra bedrooms, will there be adults who own cars living in those rooms? Will they all be parking on the street?

And if there isn’t room room to park easily in the driveway, doesn’t that show more of a possible adverse effect on the neighborhood if two or more cars will be regularly parked on the street? One could argue that the extra cars regularly parked on the street would narrow the space for cars to pass on the street, making it more difficult to navigate the area safely. There would definitely be effects on safety and quality of life for residents.

I don't have measurements, but it doesn't look like the addition extends forward from house enough that there wouldn't be space between the addition and the sidewalk. Maybe not for a Surburban, but a car should fit fine. And if that's enough for one, then it should be enough for two- with the other one next to it.

Unless that would push them over 30% of the front yard. Which it very well could.

We have a side by side with a single car entryway from the road.

You need around a minimum of 8-10 feet of driveway from the back bumper to the entry point to get both cars into the driveway without driving through the yard. This is for cars and smaller SUV type cars. For larger SUVs, minivans and trucks, you need the full 10 feet from the back bumper.

You're making up a requirement.

No, I am explaining logistics of a single entry driveway.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The homeowner changed his approved plans from a garage to a window/door at the 1st floor front of the home. The homeowner applied for this as an Amendment to his original permit but the county has not approved it yet. However, the homeowner has already constructed the addition in this front area in a way he’s seeking in the amendment. There are now steps built going from the old garage space (now door/window) to the driveway. Obviously not going to be a garage.

Those steps come further out into the front yard than the original plans. The original approved permit showed the plans at a 21 ft front setback, so county approved as meeting the front setback requirements.

Now with the garage redesign and added steps, is the homeowner still within the County’s 20 ft minimum for the front setback?

So is tge homeowner just deliberately building whatever he wants in complete violation of zoning laws and in contradiction to his permits, with a plan to just get approval after the fact?

So can everyone else doing renovations in Fairfax County use the same method?

Momentarily setting aside the side setback, everything else that has been brought up seems to be correctible. There seems to be just enough room for a second parking spot. And if there are stairs going into the new addition that create a new setback problem, those could be removed.

The side sideback isn't correctible. It is a mistake that never should have happened, but it did. It would be a grossly disproportionate response to require a teardown over 6 inches, both in this case and in general. If there's really a concern about encouraging such mistakes, a better deterrent would be a fine, not a teardown when there is no meaningful impact. I don't think that's a realistic concern, though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If he's not changing that area back to a garage, I'm curious where he's going to find 2 off street parking spaces.

He's built the addition into where those cars are parked.

Part of it, yes. But it looks like there would still be ebough space if he extends the parking pad to the sidewalk.

He probably wouldn't ever use it, but I think it would try technically satisify the parking requirement.

Cars are not supposed to park on the sidewalk. With the addition using driveway space, is there room there for a car to park without being over the sidewalk? Also, with the addition of so many extra bedrooms, will there be adults who own cars living in those rooms? Will they all be parking on the street?

And if there isn’t room room to park easily in the driveway, doesn’t that show more of a possible adverse effect on the neighborhood if two or more cars will be regularly parked on the street? One could argue that the extra cars regularly parked on the street would narrow the space for cars to pass on the street, making it more difficult to navigate the area safely. There would definitely be effects on safety and quality of life for residents.

I don't have measurements, but it doesn't look like the addition extends forward from house enough that there wouldn't be space between the addition and the sidewalk. Maybe not for a Surburban, but a car should fit fine. And if that's enough for one, then it should be enough for two- with the other one next to it.

Unless that would push them over 30% of the front yard. Which it very well could.

We have a side by side with a single car entryway from the road.

You need around a minimum of 8-10 feet of driveway from the back bumper to the entry point to get both cars into the driveway without driving through the yard. This is for cars and smaller SUV type cars. For larger SUVs, minivans and trucks, you need the full 10 feet from the back bumper.

You're making up a requirement.

No, I am explaining logistics of a single entry driveway.

Ok, but you suggested that that additional 8-10 ft is necessary here, but it isn't. At least, not to be compliant with code for parking.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If he's not changing that area back to a garage, I'm curious where he's going to find 2 off street parking spaces.

He's built the addition into where those cars are parked.

Part of it, yes. But it looks like there would still be ebough space if he extends the parking pad to the sidewalk.

He probably wouldn't ever use it, but I think it would try technically satisify the parking requirement.

Cars are not supposed to park on the sidewalk. With the addition using driveway space, is there room there for a car to park without being over the sidewalk? Also, with the addition of so many extra bedrooms, will there be adults who own cars living in those rooms? Will they all be parking on the street?

And if there isn’t room room to park easily in the driveway, doesn’t that show more of a possible adverse effect on the neighborhood if two or more cars will be regularly parked on the street? One could argue that the extra cars regularly parked on the street would narrow the space for cars to pass on the street, making it more difficult to navigate the area safely. There would definitely be effects on safety and quality of life for residents.

Street parking is already allowed and done in that neighborhood. That's not an adverse impact. It has a side effect of slowing cars down on the road.

That’s irrelevant since Fairfax County requires off street parking.

Yes, and if he creates two spots then there isn't anything to complain about there.

The second spot will not be functional with a shortened driveway and single entry.

The 2nd spot will essentially be a weird front yard concrete patio.

It is expressly allowed to have parking spots that are only accessible by moving another parked car.

But if the driveway is as long as the car, he cannot access the spot even if he mives the other car, without driving over the sidewalk and easement.

It is not going to be a functional parking spot

You don't need that much extra space to pull in and sufficiently straighten out the car. Certainly not 10 ft.

And you already have to drive to over the sidewalk to reach the spots, so I'm not sure why you're complaining about that.