Lobbying Affiliate: MML&K Government Solutions
{ Banner Image }

Real Estate Law Blog

Make sure you're on solid ground before you break it.

Contact Us

250 Character(s) Remaining
Type the following characters: hotel, three, hotel, three, romeo, foxtrot

* Indicates a required field.

Categories

McBrayer Blogs

Showing 2 posts in Boards of Adjustment.

Overlay zoning

Many communities that have adopted zoning laws governing the uses that are allowed in the various zones have also adopted overlay zones that control the same property. Overlay zones are just that -- they add another layer of regulation to those that control the underlying zone.   Overlay zones are intended to add additional protection the underlying area. The most common types of overlay zones are intended to protect historic areas, neighborhoods or buildings with unique characteristics or environmentally sensitive areas. More >

What Does the Board of Adjustment Do?

In communities that have adopted zoning regulations, boards of adjustment serve as a relief valve that can allow for the use of property that is not otherwise permitted under the property’s specific zoning category . Boards of adjustment have the power to grant dimensional variances, which are deviations from the dimensional requirements of a zoning ordinance pertaining to height, width, location of structures, or setbacks. For example, if a property owner wants to build or extend a structure within the required side, front or rear yard, she can appeal to the board to request permission to build closer to the property line. Applicants for a variance must show a need for the variance and that they are not unnecessarily trying to circumvent the zoning regulations. An unusually shaped lot or other unique physical characteristics of the particular property that make it hard to comply with the setback or height requirements are typically justifications for a variance. In one Kentucky case, the appellate court found that it was appropriate to grant a variance to allow building a house closer to the street because there was a sinkhole in the rear yard that prevented building the house farther back. When a board grants a variance it must make certain statutorily required findings of fact. Variances run with the land, so subsequent owners acquire the benefit without further approvals. More >

Lexington, KYLouisville, KYFrankfort, KYFrankfort, KY: MML&K Government Solutions