Board of Adjustment Agenda and Packet 2020 05 20

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9 in a unique design not typical to other residential development in the area. The large interior space of the original church results in a unique layout, and necessitates the request for the addition to the rear to provide living spaces beyond of the portion of the building that will be preserved. Staff finds the proposal meets this criterion. 2. That the unusual circumstances or conditions do not exist throughout the neighborhood or district in which the property is located. Staff finds that 701 Grant Ave is a unique circumstance in the neighborhood. As noted above, there are only two remaining church structures from Louisville’s earliest days that are still in place. The other, located at 741 Jefferson is still operating as a church, and for comparison has a lot coverage of 66% and an FAR of .86. The preservation of the structure at 701 Grant Ave for use as a residence is a unique circumstance that does not exist throughout the neighborhood. Staff finds the proposal meets this criterion. 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. Staff finds that through preservation of the existing structure, the property cannot reasonably be developed in conformity with the provisions of Title 17. Due to the interior configuration of the structure, the addition off the rear provides reasonable living spaces and a garage to provide off-street protected parking. Staff notes that, with the exception of FAR, all other non-conforming circumstances are remaining the same or improving. Staff finds the proposal meets this criterion. 4. That such unnecessary hardship has not been created by the applicant. Staff finds that the hardship was not created by the applicant. They are not responsible for the existing non-conformities, nor the state of severe disrepair. Staff finds the proposal meets this criterion. 5. That the variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the neighborhood or district in which the property is located, nor substantially or permanently impair the appropriate use or development of adjacent property. Staff finds that the proposal will not alter the essential character of the neighborhood nor impair the use or development of adjacent property. The property currently is in a non- conforming status and the proposal allows for improvements that preserve the important portion of existing structure, remove dilapidated portions of the structure and provide overall betterment of the property. Staff also notes that currently a portion of the rear of the structure is located within the alley right-of-way, and the proposal relocates this out of the alley and entirely on to the subject property. Staff finds the proposal meets this criterion. 6. That the variance, if granted, is the minimum variance that will afford relief and is the least modification possible of the provisions of Title 17 of the Louisville Municipal Code that is in question. 19