Board of Adjustment Agenda and Packet 2017 03 15

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Board of Adjustments- Variance Request Address: 108 Lois Drive Type of Request: Increase in lot coverage allowed on a lot in the R -E zone district. Current zoning has a maximum 20% total lot coverage. We are requesting a variance to increase the lot coverage from 20% to 23%. Listed below is how our request meets the criteria for the variance request. 1. That there are unique physical circumstances or conditions such as irregularity, narrowness or shallowness of lot, or exceptional topographical or other physical conditions peculiar to the affected property. The unique physical circumstances in this is case is that they lot is 3,457 square feet smaller than the minimum lot size in the zone district. Generally in the LMC, as minimum lot sizes get smaller, the lot coverage allowances increase. In this case, the maximum lot coverage is mismatched to the lot size. The current lot size of this property is 8,543 sq. ft. which is more inline with the R -L zone district that has a 7,000 square foot minimum lot size and a 30% lot coverage allowance. 2. That the unusual circumstances or conditions do not exist throughout the neighborhood or district in which the property is located. Section 17.48.110 of the LMC states a variance may only be granted if all criteria, "insofar as applicable," are met. In this case, where the majority of the lots in the subdivision are smaller than the minimum lot size, the unusual circumstances by definition exists throughout the neighborhood. Applying this criterion to this application does not seem applicable. 3. That because of such physical circumstances or conditions, the property cannot reasonably be developed in conformity with the provisions of Title 17 of the Louisville Municipal Code. The current zoning does not allow an expansion of the building footprint beyond 1,708 square feet. The increase in the building footprint is to give the house a more functional kitchen and entry area. The covered front porch will make the front of the house more usable and inviting to the street. We are only seeking a 3% increase in the lot coverage and all of the increases to the building footprint comply with the property setbacks. The R -E zone district would not enable this reasonable expansion to occur. 4. That such an unnecessary hardship has not been created by the applicant. The existing house was built in 1984. At this time, the lot size was smaller than what the applied zoning allows.