Oldham County grants front-yard variance for Pendleton property to keep owner’s studio

The Oldham County Board of Adjustments on Feb. 19 approved a location variance and a 20-foot front-yard setback variance for an accessory structure at 2310 Ridge Road in Pendleton.

John Hein, planner I with Oldham County Planning and Development Services, told the board the 10.98-acre property is zoned CO-1 and that a code-enforcement notice prompted the hearing after a shed was placed forward of the principal structure. Hein said staff added a condition requiring an administrative home-occupation permit as part of any approval.

Applicant Sherry Grenell and Madeline Grenell testified the structure will be used as a home studio and office for family use and not as a traffic-generating business. "I was also trying to avoid messing with the septic system," Sherry Grenell said, explaining the shed was placed on flatter ground to minimize grading and to provide easier access for an adopted sister with mobility issues.

No letters of support or opposition were received, and the applicant said nearby neighbors contacted were not opposed. After a brief board discussion citing slope-related site constraints, a board member moved to approve both the 20-foot setback variance and the location variance. Both motions carried; the board imposed conditions that the approvals apply only to the application presented at the Feb. 19 public hearing and that the applicant obtain all required building permits, inspections and an administrative home-occupation permit from county planning staff.

The board closed the matter and moved on to the next docket.