Birmingham BZA grants variance for extra parking pad at 1511 East Maple

The Birmingham Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance allowing a 6.2% overage in impervious front-yard coverage at 1511 East Maple on a motion tied to the plans presented to the board.

The decision came after property owner Jason Hurst requested relief for a parking pad he said was needed so vehicles can pull out head-first onto busy East Maple. Hurst said the expanded paved area reduces the risk of falls and injury for his family, noting "I have hardware wear in my ankle. I have a bad back, bad knees. So this is a hardship for me." He also told the board he reduced the originally installed pavers before the hearing to mitigate coverage.

City staff presented the ordinance basis for the appeal and the arithmetic for the relief sought. Staff said the zoning ordinance requires a minimum of 65% front-yard open space free of paved surfaces and that the owner’s initial request had been larger; after work and discussions with staff the request was reduced to a 6.2% overage (about 250 square feet less than the initial ask).

Board members who supported the variance said the lot’s relationship to Maple Road and the safety risk of backing onto a busy street weighed in favor of relief. A board member summarized that the variance was appropriate "specifically because of the need" for safer vehicle maneuvering from the lot. The chair directed the city to confirm the approved square footage after final installation.

Outcome and next steps: The motion to approve was adopted in roll-call vote (Ron Reddy: yes; Carmel Kona: yes; Jason Gavison: yes; Kevin Heard: yes; Eric Morgan: yes; Gary Alden: yes). The city will verify as-built square footage to ensure the approved limit is met.