Covington board denies variance to convert 224 W. Saint Mary into duplex

The Covington Board of Adjustments on Feb. 23 denied a request to allow conversion of a single-family home at 224 West Saint Mary Drive into a duplex, concluding the petitioner had not demonstrated the hardship required for a zoning variance.

Applicant Joey Fontana, who said he and a business partner operate property under Emery Grace, told the board he bought a blighted house and has invested roughly $11,000 to remove dead trees and clear the lot. Fontana said the proposed work would not increase the structure’s footprint; the plan submitted by his partner, an architect, would divide the interior to create two units and rely on off-street parking. Fontana said he and his partner conducted door-to-door outreach to about 40 nearby households and received 19 survey responses, of which about 15 were supportive or indifferent.

Neighbors and other residents urged the board to deny the variance. Alta (Dr.) Brown, who said she lives at 307 West Saint Mary Drive, called duplex structures inconsistent with the neighborhood’s character and said she feared transient occupancy. Johnny Bankston, who identified himself as a former member of the board, said the application appeared to be a financial decision and argued the board should not grant a variance for that reason.

Code enforcement staff noted the property had been blighted and recommended a timeframe for applying for building permits if work is to continue; staff said work without permits had prompted a prior cease-and-desist on the property. Fontana said he and his contractor are ready to move forward and that tree removals had city permits.

After questions about original purchase intent and whether denial would cause hardship, the chair moved to deny the variance, saying the applicant had not shown a hardship beyond seeking additional rental income. A commissioner seconded the motion. The board conducted a roll call; the recorded responses in the transcript (including votes listed for "Miss Butler," "Mister Williams," "Mister Lucas," and "Mister Roemage") were read as affirmative on the motion to deny.

The denial leaves the property subject to single-family use; Fontana said he would continue with improvements whether or not the duplex conversion is allowed.