Janet Schumacher

The board reviewed and approved a special exception request for a one-story addition at 82 1/2 Cannon Street, which required a variance for a side setback encroachment. The board determined that the addition would not negatively impact light or air for neighboring properties, and a letter of support from a neighborhood association member was noted. The board also reviewed and approved findings from a previous session.

The board discussed an application for partial demolition and conceptual design approval for a residential property. Key topics included proposed changes to the roof form, specifically raising the ridge height, and the design of a rear addition. Board members and staff provided conditions regarding maintaining historic character, such as preserving specific architectural features, ensuring the addition is properly set back from the building's corners, and limiting the increase in ridge height to match previously approved local precedents. The applicant agreed to incorporate these design conditions to move the project forward without further deferrals.

The board reviewed a master plan for the development at 158 Spring Street, focusing specifically on building placement and height constraints. Discussions centered on site density and orientation, with the committee clarifying that detailed assessments of architectural massing and scale will occur during future reviews of individual structures. A historic preservation foundation expressed concerns regarding site coverage density. The committee and the applicant ultimately accepted staff conditions regarding the review process for individual buildings and adherence to height limitations.

The board meeting focused on a variance request for an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) located at 2B Pedigmont Avenue. Key discussions involved the property's irregular shape and drainage easement issues which limited development options. The board also reviewed testimony regarding the proposed ADU's compatibility with the existing neighborhood's historical architectural fabric. Additionally, the meeting included a formal deferral for a separate project on Wo Creek Lane.

The Board of Zoning Appeals discussed a request for clarification regarding a previous order concerning zoning regulations at Johnson Hagood Stadium. The primary topic involved determining whether proposed concert events at the stadium constitute a school use under existing zoning ordinances or if they require special exceptions. Representatives from the Citadel and the surrounding residential neighborhood presented arguments regarding the impact of stadium events on the local community, noise, traffic, and the intent of the current school overlay district. The Board entered an executive session to receive legal advice on the matter.