About Altavista's Myrtle Lane

Many of the Lynchburg MLS area homes have terrace level basement apartments. Some people consider these "mother-in-law-suites" Often times a buyer client will specifically request this particular feature when searching for a new home in Lynchburg, Campbell County or Bedford County area.

Here are some questions you should ask your local zoning department prior to renting your basement apartment in the Lynchburg MLS area.

What are the specific guidelines for nonconforming use?

Must the home be owner occupied?

Define the difference between owner occupied and primary residence if there is a difference.

How long must the nonconforming use be abandoned before it is revoked?

I think that was Mr. B's problem prior to purchasing the property he did not ask enough questions.

Prior to renting a terrace level apartment be sure to review the local zoning laws. Many times "mother-in-law-suites" are in neighborhoods that are zoned as single family residences. If this be the case you don't want to be in the position of Mr. B as in my most recent post Why Can't I Rent My Basement Apartment?

When we first bought our home on Myrtle Lane in Altavista I had no intention of living in it. Due to the market changing we ended up moving in, in May of 2007. By then we had done over $100,000 in renovations on the property and actually I started liking the area.

So many people have asked "Where do you live?" and I say "On Myrtle Lane." They say, "Oh.... you live on Myrtle Lane...." It seems that the locals seem to have a high respect for the street. I admit that it is probably the prettiest street I've ever seen. There is a median that runs down the center of the street and the street is lined with trees. Folks walk their dogs and kids ride their bikes in the evening. Neighbors come out to chat and be neighborly. It is the kind of street that everyone knows each other. They even have block parties and neighborhood barbecues. One would not think of driving down the street without waving and saying hello to the neighbors as they sit on their front porch or walk down the sidewalk.

I have heard say that many folks have waited for a house to come on the market on this street just for the opportunity to live on this street. I am proud to live on Myrtle Lane