Chris Byrd

The Board of Zoning Appeals convened to discuss a variance request concerning parking spaces for a restaurant. The applicant requested more parking spaces than typically allowed due to their business model, which includes considerations for seating, staff, mobile order pick-up, courier order pick-up, and drive-thru services. The staff report did not recommend approval, citing that the standards for a variance had not been met and there was no physical hardship for the property. The board discussed the definition of hardship, existing parking regulations, and potential alternatives to requesting a variance. Ultimately, the motion to approve the variance was denied. An upcoming training opportunity for Boards and Commissions Chairpersons was announced.

The Board of Zoning Appeals convened to nominate and approve officers for 2025, including a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and Secretary. The board discussed and approved a variance request concerning a freestanding ground sign at The Woods Subdivision, addressing its proximity to the public right-of-way and associated conditions for approval. An update was provided on a previous case, and upcoming training opportunities were announced.

The Board of Zoning Appeals meeting included nominations and votes for the positions of Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and Secretary for 2024. The board discussed and approved a variance request for property located at 1335 Creekview Cove, which allows an accessory structure to be closer to the property line than the height of the structure and to encroach into the required side yard setback, subject to specific conditions. Announcements were made regarding the next scheduled meeting and upcoming training opportunities.

The meeting included discussion regarding an appeal of a staff decision related to the definition of a play structure. The board also discussed the interpretation of zoning ordinances, setback and easement encroachments, and the impact of a tree's location on the definition of a play structure versus an accessory structure. The board also introduced the new Community and Economic Development Director.

The Board of Zoning Appeals met to discuss a request for a variance to allow an eight-foot fence in the rear yard of a property on Planters Trace Lane. The applicant seeks to reduce noise from State Route 385. The board discussed the location of the fence, its impact on neighboring properties, and the possibility of requesting a sound barrier from the state. The board approved the variance request with specific conditions, including obtaining a fence permit, adherence to height restrictions, and the need for board approval for any location deviations.