Birmingham City BZA approves three variances tied to submitted plans; two appeals postponed

The Birmingham City Board of Zoning Appeals on an unspecified date approved three variances for residential properties and postponed other appeals to a later meeting. Board members said the approvals were tied to the plans submitted and were granted by the five members present.

City staff described the first approved request, for 2630 Dorchester (case 25-15), as a request to reduce the required distance between principal residential buildings. Staff (Mike Morad) said the zoning ordinance (Chapter 126, Article 4, Section 4.74(c)) sets a minimum of 14 feet (or 25% of lot width) between principal residential buildings; the proposed total distance between the subject house and a neighboring dwelling is 12.23 feet, a requested variance of 1.77 feet. Derek Babbie of Babbie Construction, representing the applicant, said the lot configuration and the adjacent older house create the condition. Board member Reddy moved to approve the variance tied to the submitted plans, citing the preexisting…