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Fort Thomas Board of Adjustment approves setback variances for 716 South Grand Avenue
Summary
The Fort Thomas Board of Adjustment on Jan. 27 approved dimensional variances allowing Jessica and Christopher Clark to add a bedroom and an attached garage at 716 South Grand Avenue, citing minimal impact to public welfare and neighborhood character.
The Fort Thomas Board of Adjustment on Tuesday approved setback variances that will allow homeowners Jessica and Christopher Clark to build a first-floor bedroom addition and an attached garage at 716 South Grand Avenue.
The board voted to permit the left-side addition at 8 feet from the left property line — a 1-foot variance from the 9-foot ordinance requirement — and to allow basement steps that encroach 1 foot (steps were described in staff comments as 5 feet from the line while the ordinance requires 6 feet). The board also approved an attached garage positioned 6 feet from the right property line, a 3-foot variance from the standard setback.
"We're looking to be able to accommodate our growing family," Jessica Clark said after being sworn for the record, explaining the addition will create a master suite and free an upstairs room for children and that a living space above the garage will house an elderly family member part time. Architect Mike Studer of Studer Designs told the board that many Fort Thomas homeowners seek first-floor primary bedrooms and multigenerational solutions, and that the proposed work is a "sensitive approach" intended to look like it "has been there forever." (Mike Studer, Studer Designs)
A board member who moved the variance said, "The granting of this variance will not adversely affect the public health, safety, or welfare, will not alter the essential character of the general vicinity, will not cause a hazard or nuisance to the public, and will not allow an unreasonable circumvention of the requirements of the zoning regulations." The motion was based on evidence presented at the hearing.
The motion was seconded and passed by roll-call vote. The chair directed the applicants to see Mr. Stewart for next steps on permitting and implementation.
The case was listed on the agenda as Case No. 20-6-17-O3716 South Grand Avenue; applicants are Jessica Clark and Christopher Clark, owners of 716 South Grand Avenue.
