Oldham County board approves ADU and 220-square-foot variance for Crestwood property

The Oldham County Board of Adjustments and Appeals approved a conditional use permit and a related square‑footage variance on June 18 to allow a detached accessory dwelling unit (ADU) above a new three‑car garage at 8003 Shadow Creek Road in Crestwood.

Planner One John Hein told the board the lot is zoned R2 and is 1.36 acres. He said the primary residence is shown in county records as 2,576 square feet, which makes the ordinance limit for a detached ADU 25% of the primary structure (644 square feet). The applicant’s plans describe the ADU as 864 square feet, a requested variance of 220 square feet, and staff recommended conditions including that any approval apply only to the plans considered at the June 18 hearing, that the applicant obtain all required building permits and inspections, and that a licensed survey be submitted confirming side‑yard setbacks before a building permit issues.

Applicant John Price described the ADU as a place for his sister to live so she can assist in caring for aging parents. “My father … uses a chair to get around,” Price said, explaining the family’s need for on‑site caregiving. He also said the family sought a garage to protect vehicles from tree debris and suggested an alternate attached‑garage option that could remove the need for the specific variance but could require separate review if it would exceed attached‑ADU percentage limits.

Board members asked about septic capacity, egress windows and a fire‑rating detail; Price said septic capacity will be verified during building inspections and confirmed egress windows were included on the plans. Staff noted ceiling drywall between the garage and living space should meet a 5/8‑inch fire‑rating where required. The applicant accepted proposed conditions including that the ADU not be used for short‑term rentals and that storage areas not be converted to conditioned living space without a new application.

No members of the public spoke for or against the application. After closing the floor, a board member moved to approve the conditional use permit with the listed conditions; the board approved the motion. The board also approved the requested 220‑square‑foot variance, again limiting the approval to the submitted plans and requiring permits and inspections.

Next steps for the applicant include providing the licensed survey showing required setbacks and applying for all required building permits and inspections; staff will enforce the conditions of approval.