LEXINGTON — The Lexington Board of Adjustment on Monday overturned a staff recommendation and approved a controversial setback variance for a corner-lot home on Pyke Road, capping a meeting that underscored how subjective land-use decisions can hinge on neighborhood context and board interpretatio n rather than staff guidance. The board voted to grant homeowner Scott Book a variance allowing a side street setback of eight feet — far less than the 30 feet required under the zoning ordinance — for an addition at his residence on Pyke Road in the Duncan Park area. Planning staff had recommended denial, citing a lack of unique hardship and warning that the proposal could alter the character of the neighborhood. After nearly an hour of discussion, however, board members concluded the narrowness of the lot, the home’s long-standing nonconforming status and comparable setbacks nearby justified approval. “This is a very logical request,” one board member said during deliberations, noting that similar conditions exist elsewhere in the neighborhood and that the proposal would not create a traffic or safety hazard. The motion approving the variance cited special circumstances tied to the lot’s 54-foot width and the home’s existing placement, as well as the absence of objections from neighboring property owners. The board also found that denying the request would significantly limit reasonable use of the property. The reversal marked the only major point of contention in an otherwise routine agenda, with the board approving every other application before it — most unanimously and without public opposition. Among those approvals was a conditional use permit allowing an assisted living facility at 1121 Tanbark Road, a property that had been mentioned earlier this year during preliminary discussions about potential locations for a future homeless shelter. That shelter conversation never advanced to a formal proposal for the site, and Monday’s action authorizes a different residential care use under the zoning code. Board members approved the permit without debate, clearing the way for modernization of the existing facility and a modest increase in resident capacity, subject to state certification and local permitting. The board also approved two un-hosted short-term rental permits — at 3017 Neal Drive and 1841 Gayle Circle — after staff reported no history of nuisance complaints and low concentrations of short-term rentals within required buffer zones. In both cases, board members acknowledged nearby rentals that partially overlapped buffer areas but concluded the applications met ordinance standards. Other approvals included: A variance for a historic district infill project on West Fifth Street and Willy Street, reducing front and side setbacks to better match nearby homes. A rear-yard setback variance in an expansion area neighborhood off Branham Park. A conditional use permit for a Type II childcare center on Marlena Lane. Amendments to conditional use permits for Transylvania University and the Lexington Korean Presbyterian Church, both of which were granted extended three-year windows to exercise their approvals due to fundraising and construction timelines. The Board of Adjustment meets monthly to hear appeals and conditional use requests under Lexington’s zoning ordinance. Its next meeting is scheduled for Jan. 12 at 1:30 p.m. in Council Chambers at 200 East Main Street. Meetings are open to the public and streamed live on LexTV. The post Lexington Board of Adjustment reverses staff, approves Pyke Road setback variance after lengthy debate appeared first on The Lexington Times. ...read more read less