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Board approves front‑foyer addition and site‑coverage variances for restaurant at 2100 Airport Boulevard
Summary
The Board of Adjustment approved reduced building setbacks and a site coverage variance to allow a small front foyer/airlock addition to an existing restaurant at 2100 Airport Boulevard; applicant will close an existing curb cut and preserve the sidewalk.
The Mobile Board of Adjustment approved variances that will let Cooper Restaurants add a small front foyer/airlock to an existing restaurant at 2100 Airport Boulevard, reducing the Airport Boulevard setback to 7 feet (from 10) and Glenwood Street setback to 9 feet (from 10) and permitting an increase in site coverage from the 50% maximum to roughly 76% (reflecting existing nonconforming conditions and a small addition).
Architect Ben Cummings said the building was constructed before modern zoning setbacks and already encroaches into established setbacks; the requested changes are modest and intended to create an airlock/foyer leading into the dining area. "The proposed addition is about 8.5 feet by a little bit more than 20 feet and the addition is to be a front foyer and airlock for an existing restaurant," Cummings told the board.
During plan review the Engineering Department required the applicant to close an existing curb cut on Airport Boulevard; the applicant agreed to close the curb cut and retain the sidewalk to preserve walkability. The site currently has no on‑site parking and previously received a shared parking variance with nearby properties, the applicant said.
A board member moved to approve the variances with findings of fact; the motion was seconded and carried. "All those in favor, say aye. Aye. Anyone opposed? Motion carries," the chair announced.
Why it matters: The approval acknowledges the building's nonconforming, pre‑zoning conditions and allows a small addition intended to improve the restaurant entrance and interior flow while preserving pedestrian access on Airport Boulevard.
