Madison Board of Zoning Appeals approves one-year in‑home salon permit, two variances; tables small‑cell application

The Madison Board of Zoning Appeals on Dec. 8 approved a one‑year conditional use permit allowing an in‑home, one‑operator beauty salon at 2247 Seneca Drive and granted two variances for residential projects, while tabling a small‑cell antenna application whose representative did not appear.

The board granted Karen Felons a conditional use to operate a one‑person, appointment‑only beauty service at her home, with conditions including owner operation, no signage, off‑street parking and a limit of one client at a time. "I would basically just have a very small set up, word‑of‑mouth, no signs," Felons told the board, and she confirmed she is licensed.

The board’s approval was framed as a one‑year conditional permit so neighbors could raise any future concerns. Chair Scott Baldwin reviewed the state’s statutory criteria used for conditional uses and moved to approve the permit with the stated conditions; the motion passed by the members present.

In separate items the board approved a variance (BZVD‑25‑14) for a garage at 815 East 1st Street. Applicant Ryan Rogers said the existing garage wall is nonconforming to current setbacks, and the proposed detached garage would match that wall and provide cleanup of a deteriorated alley. "The existing garage wall sets too close to the alley," Rogers said, and staff recommended approval. Board members concluded the project would not injure public health or neighboring property values and voted to approve the variance.

The board also approved a variance (BZVD‑25‑13) for a porch/addition for a house whose existing structure sits on or near the lot line. Rogers, appearing on behalf of the property owner Julie Timan, described a small bump‑out and porch that the board said would bring the house more into conformance and improve the property.

The board twice noted a Bolen Communications small‑cell application (BZCU‑25‑23) had been carried forward from prior meetings; because a representative did not appear the board again tabled the application under its three‑tabling rule and asked the minutes to note that an antenna structure has been erected near the site.

The meeting also recorded an administrative renewal: the board stated that BZCU‑23‑97 had paid a renewal fee and that, under a prior motion, that conditional use permit was renewed.

Votes at a glance: the board approved the Felons one‑year conditional use with conditions (unanimous among members present); approved variance BZVD‑25‑14 (garage) as requested (unanimous among members present); approved variance BZVD‑25‑13 (porch/addition) as requested (unanimous among members present); tabled BZCU‑25‑23 (Bolen Communications small‑cell application) for lack of applicant representation.

Next steps and context: the conditional use for Karen Felons is limited to one year under the board’s conditions to allow neighbors to raise complaints if issues arise. The board reminded the public that rezoning requests are handled by the planning commission and not by the Board of Zoning Appeals. The board then adjourned.