Zoning board denies shed setback variance, approves multiple variances and short-term rentals

The Lexington Fayette County Zoning Board of Adjustment met in February 2026 and denied a variance request from homeowner Melissa Robinson to keep a 192-square-foot shed 9 feet 5 inches from a side-street property line at 1163 Oakwood Drive, while approving several other variances and multiple conditional-use permits for unhosted short-term rentals.

Planning staff recommended disapproval of Robinson’s request, citing Article 7 of the zoning ordinance and KRS 100.243 and saying the applicant had not shown special circumstances or that denial deprived reasonable use of the land. Staff also noted the shed had been placed without the required permits.

"The applicant has not provided sufficient justification to meet the requirements of article 7 of the zoning ordinance or KRS 100.243," a staff presenter told the board during the case presentation. The board voted to disapprove the variance following public testimony.

Neighbors and the Oakwood Neighborhood Association spoke in opposition. Leon Swatter, president of the Oakwood Neighborhood Association, said the decision to locate the…