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19 <br /> part of the evidentiary hearing is evidence provided by the applicant and an analysis by Chris <br /> Sandt or Victoria Hudson, Director of Environmental Health, that no public safety or welfare <br /> concerns are presented by this encroachment into this particular and peculiar buffer that really <br /> only resides on this individual water body in the entire county at this point. He estimated it would <br /> add thousands of dollars of additional costs to a renovation project or a new home, in some cases. <br /> He pointed out that new homes are being constructed and are seeking variances in this setback, <br /> and it adds a minimum of three months to the timeline so that a Board of Adjustment hearing can <br /> be held. <br /> Patrick Mallett explained that the burden extends beyond major renovations. <br /> Commissioner McKee asked for an example of a minor change that would require this <br /> level of involvement. <br /> Cy Stober said even minor improvements like wrapping a porch, paving a driveway, or <br /> adding a patio require the full variance process. <br /> Commissioner McKee said it is possible that this process could cost as much as the <br /> change a property owner is trying to make. <br /> Cy Stober said that it is true in theory. <br /> Vice-Chair Hamilton asked about setback requirements. <br /> Patrick Mallett said explained that existing homes built with 75-foot setbacks in the 1970s- <br /> 80s are non-conforming under the current 150-foot requirements. For new construction on vacant <br /> lots, current rules effectively make many unbuildable due to the combined setback requirements. <br /> Vice-Chair Hamilton asked if these homes are becoming less safe by making setbacks <br /> closer. <br /> Christopher Sandt assured that the major CIP repairs to the Lake's dam had been <br /> completed, with the entire embankment reinforced. Without these improvements, the dam might <br /> not have survived Helene. He explained that during that storm, water approached but didn't <br /> significantly flood homes closest to the lake. <br /> Vice-Chair Hamilton thanked him for the explanation. <br /> Commissioner Greene initially wondered why vacant lots couldn't maintain 150-foot <br /> setbacks while existing homes had different standards, but understood the lots were too small <br /> and maintaining consistent buffers around the reservoir was necessary. <br /> Patrick Mallett added that the smaller lots are the only ones that are left, which do not <br /> accommodate large homes. <br /> Commissioner McKee noted the lake was built in the mid-1960s with lots platted before <br /> the current regulations. He said this is a longstanding issue rather than a recent development. <br />