Fairhope Board denies request to enclose deck at 20105 Bunker Loop

The City of Fairhope Board of Adjustment on Nov. 17 denied a request to allow a covered and screened rear deck at 20105 Bunker Loop, concluding the applicant had not demonstrated an extraordinary hardship on the land.

Staff explained that the existing uncovered deck is allowed within the 35-foot rear setback but that adding a roof would make the work part of the principal structure and therefore subject to the 35-foot requirement. "Staff recommends denial of the 4 foot rear yard setback request," the staff presenter told the board, saying in the staff’s view the applicant had not provided sufficient evidence of extraordinary or exceptional conditions on the land.

Property owner Mick Blackledge, who identified himself to the board and supplied a street address, said he bought the house last fall and described mosquito protection, shade and usability reasons for enclosing the deck. He said moving or rebuilding the structure would require significant foundation work and disturb an established garden. "We add approximately $45,000 to the local contractors who are going to build the thing," Blackledge said, citing local economic benefits.

Board members questioned whether the site presented a physical hardship and whether alternatives (cutting back the deck, enclosing only part of it, or a trellis/pergola) were feasible. A board member said, "I don't see the hardship here," and moved to deny the variance. The motion was seconded by Ryan Baker and passed by roll call; the board adopted staff's recommendation to deny the request.

No formal appeal or further action was recorded during the meeting; the board moved on to closing business after the vote.