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Board approves small setback variances for second‑story addition at 1788 Bowers
Summary
The board unanimously approved variances to permit a second‑story addition at 1788 Bowers, tied to the submitted plans; the requests were for modest reductions in side‑yard and building‑separation distances.
The Birmingham Board of Zoning Appeals voted unanimously to grant two modest dimensional variances for a second‑story addition at 1788 Bowers (appeal 2611), approving the relief and tying the approval to the plans presented at the hearing.
City presenter Andrew Ericson explained the requests: Variance A would reduce a required side‑yard setback (ordinance minimum 5.0 ft) by 0.20 ft to a proposed 4.80 ft; Variance B would reduce the required distance between principal residential buildings (ordinance 14 ft) to a proposed 10.90 ft (a requested variance of about 3.10 ft). Dirk Moore, speaking for Christine and Waqen Frius, said the addition would not alter the existing nonconforming footprint and that building the second story “straight up” is a structural necessity so that loads stack on existing perimeter walls.
No members of the public spoke on the appeal. A board member moved to approve both variance requests, noting the home dates to the mid‑1950s and that the proposal does not exacerbate the nonconformity; the motion carried on a roll call with affirmative votes from the board.
The board tied its approval to the plans submitted to staff; permits and inspections remain subject to the building department’s review.
