Board approves variance to place two AC condensers at 19 Sheridan Avenue after debate over noise and precedent

The Fort Thomas Board of Adjustment granted a variance allowing two air-conditioning condenser units to be installed at 19 Sheridan Avenue, despite questions from board members about noise, maintenance access and setting precedent for future tear-downs and rebuilds.

Jennifer Blesser, the property owner, told the board she had previously obtained a variance in February to build the new house close to property lines and said ongoing design changes made side-yard condenser placement necessary. “The HVAC technician said that it can no longer go off at the back of the home,” Blesser said during her sworn testimony. The applicant submitted a signed letter of support from a neighboring homeowner, and the builder, Brian Vale, testified that temporary equipment had been installed during construction and that the proposed permanent units are quieter modern models.

Board members asked for technical details about sound levels and screening. Vale said he had provided specifications to staff and that the units, with typical sound blankets, should be roughly in the mid-70s decibel range: “I just found in the paperwork that the sound level should be around 76,” a staff member noted during the hearing. The applicant also provided a screening plan showing fencing and landscaping intended to buffer the units.

Members debated the potential for future requests and maintenance access if condensers sit near a neighbor’s driveway. A motion to grant the variance passed by roll call; the board recorded several aye votes and one nay. The board instructed staff to add questions about condenser placement to their plan-review checklist to help catch similar issues earlier in the permit process.

The variance allows the owner to proceed with installation under the conditions discussed at the hearing; staff will confirm required screening and any notes for the permit file.