Board allows front-setback reduction and limited architectural overhang for 2510 West Tennessee Avenue

The Variance Review Board approved a front-setback reduction and permitted a three-foot non-habitable architectural projection at 2510 West Tennessee Avenue, allowing a design feature that projects into the previously reduced front setback.

Staff explained the property had previously received a variance (VRB‑22‑43) that reduced the front setback from the code 25 feet to 14 feet 5 inches. Because that reduced setback eliminates the automatic allowance for a three-foot architectural projection under code, the applicant requested an additional variance that, if approved, would allow the effective front setback to be 11 feet 5 inches when factoring in the three-foot overhang. Staff recommended clarifying conditions limiting the extra three feet to non-habitable architectural features (eaves, balconies, cornices).

Hazem Habib, representing owners Andre Dernkov and Inara Almova and the design team, described the projection as an integral shadowbox/balcony design on the second and third floors that is non-habitable and does not extend into public rights-of-way or utility easements. Staff noted Transportation’s condition that a final plat update may be necessary to resolve HOA/property easement issues if the variance is granted—because a portion of the area is currently associated with HOA property.

Reviewing departments found the request consistent with conditions, and the board approved the variance with an explicit allowance that the additional three-foot projection be limited to non-habitable architectural features as shown in the site plan and renderings. The board’s motion cited the applicant’s efforts to preserve trees and prior approvals in the subdivision process and found the five variance criteria under Section 27-80 satisfied. The approval is contingent on later permitting steps and any required final-plat updates or HOA approvals.