Covington board grants variance to lower slab elevation for new house at 227 West 11th Avenue

The Covington Board of Adjustments voted unanimously June 15 to grant a variance that allows a new single-family house at 227 West 11th Avenue to be built at a lower slab elevation than the city's zoning rules require.

The board's approval followed a presentation by the applicant, Ron Lee, and questions from commissioners about measurements and the hardship standard. Lee told the board he and his contractor-built neighbors have established a streetscape and that lowering the slab would keep the new house consistent with adjacent homes. "We are asking for the variance in order to keep the streetscape in the same form that we've already started it there," Lee said.

Why it mattered: the variance concerns the ordinance's method for setting minimum slab elevation, which historically was subject to administrative waiver by the city engineer. Mr. Rodriguez told the board a February amendment removed that waiver authority, so elevation waivers now must be considered by the Board of Adjustments. He also said the city engineer and public works had "no objection" to the proposed lower elevation and noted the rule historically ensured gravity-flow sewer and managed drainage.

Board members pressed Lee on whether the claimed "hardship" was primarily aesthetic or financial. Lee described it as topographic and aesthetic, saying the lot's grade lifts his property and that lowering the slab by about one foot would align the house with its neighbors. Commissioners and the applicant discussed specific survey numbers (the applicant said the nearby house was at elevation 173 and the proposed site at 189, a difference of roughly 20 inches) and site drawings showing a 30-inch drop from front to back of the lot.

Following discussion, a commissioner moved to approve the variance; a second was given, and roll-call votes were recorded with Miss Butler, Mr. Gilly, Miss Williams, Mr. Lucas and Mr. Jenkins voting "yes." The board approved the variance. After the vote the board asked Lee to remove promotional yard signs he had placed on nearby property; Lee agreed.

The variance was a discretionary approval by the board; the record shows staff had no engineering objections but the board still reviewed hardship, streetscape impact and technical survey details before granting relief. The board did not attach conditions beyond the post-approval request to remove signs. The meeting adjourned after a brief set of administrative reminders.

The board's action takes effect immediately for permitting; the applicant or any affected party could pursue subsequent permits or appeals according to city procedures.