Board approves variances to allow historic Townsend house to become single-family

The Birmingham Board of Zoning Appeals on June 15 approved three dimensional variances for 504506 Townsend that will allow a roughly 1,000-square-foot addition and permit conversion of a former duplex into a single-family home.

City presenter Nick explained the proposal and the zoning trigger: because the petitioners are converting a duplex to a single-family dwelling the R3 single-family standards apply, not the R8 multifamily rules. Under R3 the project requires relief for three dimensional standards — the separation between principal buildings (proposed 16.2 feet vs. required 19.5 feet, a 3.3-foot variance), a 20-foot rear setback where 30 feet is required (10-foot variance), and a combined front-and-rear setback of 44.9 feet where 55 feet is required (10.1-foot variance). Nick also said the Historic District Commission granted a certificate of appropriateness on 06/03/2026 with conditions related to materials.

The owners, Mia Gordon and her husband, Zach Lerner, told the board they bought the Hostin Logan House to preserve its historic character and avoid denser redevelopment. "We fell in love with Birmingham's Weimer community and purchased this historic home with the intention of raising our family here," Gordon said, adding the design is "modest but functional" and was vetted with neighbors and the HDC.

Neighbors who spoke at the meeting supported the project. Anne Feldman, who lives across the street, said the addition preserves the front facade and replaces a dilapidated garage.

During questioning, board members probed which elements of the plan drive the variances and whether the changes would unreasonably impede neighboring lots. Staff and the project team said much of the difference stems from converting the structure to R3 standards and that adjacent properties had been developed under different (RA/R8) standards, which can disadvantage later redevelopments. The project team also described interior dimension tradeoffs made to satisfy the HDC, including narrowing a bedroom by 1.5 feet and pushing the addition toward the rear to preserve the front gable.

A board member moved to approve the variances tied to the submitted plans, including demolition of the existing detached garage as shown. The motion passed on a roll call vote; the board granted the variances.

The decision is tied to the plans as submitted; staff offered to coordinate any minor post-approval adjustments with the applicants. The owners said they intend to proceed with the restoration and construction consistent with the HDC conditions.