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BZA approves small side-yard variance for 1155 Webster addition
Summary
The BZA granted a 0.5-foot side-yard setback variance to allow a rear addition at 1155 Webster. The board cited the house’s preexisting nonconforming position, the lot line tapering and minimal potential impact on adjacent property (a commercial lot) when approving the request, tied to submitted plans.
The Birmingham Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance allowing a rear addition at 1155 Webster to encroach 0.5 feet into the west side-yard setback.
City staff said the ordinance requires a minimum side-yard setback of 5 feet; the existing condition is 4.7 feet and the proposed addition would create a 4.5-foot setback, prompting a request for a 0.5-foot variance under Chapter 126, Article 2, Section 2.10.2.
Architect Larry Bertolini, representing the homeowners, said the house dates from the 1940s, is slightly skewed on the lot and that aligning the addition with the existing house avoids jogs and produces a simpler, more harmonious design. "This is a preexisting nonconforming home dating back from the forties," a board member said in support of approval.
Board member Ron Reddy moved to approve the variance, citing special conditions tied to the house’s age and skewed placement; John Miller seconded. The motion carried on a unanimous roll-call vote. The board tied approval to the plans shown at the hearing and noted the adjacent property is a commercial parking lot, so the board anticipated no negative effect on a neighboring residence.
No further conditions or timeline were specified; the approval allows the homeowners to proceed with the addition as presented.
