BOA Variance Case 1993_725 Jefferson Ave

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2. That the unusual circumstances or conditions do not exist throughout the neighborhood or district in which the property is located. The staff finds that this criterion is not met. This neighborhood was developed prior to the City's adoption of zoning and subdivision regulations. There are many other lots and structures in the immediate neighborhood which do not conform to the modern devlopment standards contained in the zoning ordinance. Redevelopment of these properties often requires a variance. 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 staff finds that this criterion is met. The size of this existing nonconforming lot of record is 3125 square feet, which is only 44.6% of the minimum lot size of 7000 square feet. The 25' lot width would allow only an 15' wide struc- ture if the required 5'side yard setbacks for an accessory structure were maintained. This would not permit construction of a two car garage. The existing dwelling already covers 37.7 percent of the lot, which is greater than the maximum 30 percent allowed by the ordinance. Thus no accessory struc- tures of any size could be constructed in compliance with the zoning ordinance requirement. 4. That such unnecessary hardship has not been created by the applicant. The staff finds that this condition is met. The lot configuration was created and the existing house built prior to the City's adoption of zoning and subdivision regulations. 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. The staff finds that this criterion is met. The proposed one story garage is a detached structure at the rear of the property. Provided it is built to proper building code requirements, it will have minimal impact on adjacent proper- ties. Similar accessory structures already exist in the surrounding neighborhood. 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 which are in question. The staff finds that this criterion is met for the side yard setback variance requests, but is not met for the lot coverage variance request. Twenty feet is the minimum practical width for a two car garage. The proposed garage depth of 26 feet is greater than the 20 - 22 feet minimum depth needed to construct a practical garage. If the depth of the garage were reduced to 20' the total lot coverage 2