Board grants 33‑foot driveway setback variance for proposed South Fort Thomas home

The Fort Thomas Board of Adjustment approved a setback variance that will permit a driveway to be located 67 feet from the curb return of South Fort Thomas Avenue — a 33‑foot reduction from the 100‑foot arterial‑street distance required by city standards — for a Drees Company project whose owner is Griffin Austin.

Planner Mr. Stewart told the board that because South Fort Thomas is an arterial street, the zoning requirement is a 100‑foot minimum distance from the curb return for driveways. Representatives for the developer said they want the driveway moved forward to allow a main‑level garage for the modern house design; moving the house rearward would have created conflicts with the rear setback and still required variances.

Tony Paget, who identified himself at the hearing as the project representative, said the existing curb cut will be abandoned and replaced as part of the work. He told the board the submitted plot plan will be updated and reviewed through the city’s standard permitting process.

Board members asked about on‑street parking and whether the new location still leaves sufficient sight lines; a member noted cars currently park on Linden, and staff indicated the proposal would not reduce the number of legal on‑street spaces overall because the curb cut is being relocated rather than added. A board member moved to grant the 33‑foot variance; the motion passed and the applicant was instructed to follow up with Mr. Stewart for plan review and permitting.

The record shows the motion language described the permitted driveway placement (67 feet from the curb return) and found no adverse effect on public health, safety or the character of the vicinity based on the evidence presented. The city will confirm final plan dimensions at permitting.