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Homewood City BZA approves three variances, including fence setback and Aspen Dental sign
Summary
The Homewood City Board of Zoning Adjustments on April 2 approved three variance requests: a six-foot front-setback reduction for a fence at 1100 Irving Road, a side-yard variance to enclose a carport at 609 Edgemore Drive (4–1), and an additional wall sign for Aspen Dental at 275 Lakeshore Parkway. Two cases were continued to May 7.
The Homewood City Board of Zoning Adjustments approved three variance requests at its April 2 meeting, granting property owners changes to setback and signage rules while noting standard permit deadlines.
Board members first approved minutes for the Feb. 5 and March 5 meetings before taking up new business. The chair explained the board is empowered by the Alabama state legislature and requires four affirmative votes to grant variances.
At 1100 Irving Road, applicant Warren Cole Foster asked for a six-foot variance to reduce the standard nine-foot fence setback along Evergreen Avenue to three feet. Foster said the request was driven by steep topography and accessibility needs: “We have an uncle… [who is] wheelchair bound,” he said, and added that an existing pool sits about 9½ feet from the property line, leaving little room for circulation. The board voted unanimously to approve BZA‑26‑000021; the approval carries a one‑year lapse period to begin construction or file a permit.
At 609 Edgemore Drive, Nick Halfacaker requested a side‑yard setback variance to enclose an existing carport and gain livable floor area. Halfacaker told the board the underlying foundation predates current zoning and he had written neighbor support. Board members asked whether an addition at the rear had been considered; Halfacaker said enclosing the existing slab preserved the roof line and neighborhood character. Mr. Navez moved to approve BZA‑26‑000022 and Mr. Gear seconded; Miss Hand voted no and the motion passed 4–1. The board noted the applicant has 365 days to file for a permit.
Finally, Joe Wear of Anchor Shine, representing Aspen Dental at 275 Lakeshore Parkway, asked for a second wall sign on the building’s side elevation to help patients locate the practice from the rear parking area. Wear said the proposed sign would match the existing front sign, occupy about 5% of the façade and cited prior approvals for other tenants at the center. The board voted unanimously to approve BZA‑26‑000027.
Staff closed by welcoming newly seated board member Dominic Sims. Two cases (BZA‑26‑000020 and BZA‑26‑000028) were announced as continued to the May 7 meeting at the applicants’ request. The meeting transcript ends shortly after the staff communication.
