Kris Frye

The minutes document covers proceedings from the February 4, 2026 meeting. Key business included a presentation for Application #235, concerning a Certificate of Appropriateness for the First Baptist Church of Lenoir City, detailing proposed exterior work such as roof/gutter repair, porch repainting, and replacement of non-compliant doors with code-compliant, solid white doors. Interior work plans included restoration of original hardwood floors. The Commission expressed consensus in favor of the restoration efforts but noted that future significant exterior changes would require further approval. Another major discussion involved potential revisions to the Historic Overlay District boundary, as proposed by the Historic Preservation Advisory Committee, aiming to protect historic character under the new "Certified Local Government" status. Proposals included expanding the district to cover vacant riverfront land and including properties like the Dunbar School and Lenoir Home as Local Historic Landmarks. No formal action was taken on the boundary revisions, but the Commission was encouraged to review the proposed maps.

The Loudon Regional Planning Commission agenda for the meeting included the Pledge of Allegiance and Roll Call, setting the agenda, a public comment period, and two new business items. The new business involved a Preliminary Plat Review for Sunrise Ridge Subdivision (Application #204) and a Site Plan Review for the Matlock Bend Substation (Application #240). The agenda also included time for Committee Reports, Staff Reports, and Reminders.

The meeting agenda included two public hearings regarding the proposed annexation of approximately 9.08± acres on Matlock Bend Road East and the subsequent rezoning of this parcel from M-1 General Industrial District to P-1 Professional and Civic District. Key resolutions involved supporting the Loudon Legacy Foundation, approving a Direct Primary Care Provider Contract with Direct Primary Care Associates, PLLC, and extending eligibility for this service to certain long-serving retirees who have not reached Medicare age. The Council planned to authorize a proposal to conduct an Historic Resource Survey, submit a Community Development Block Grant application up to $1,000,000.00 for a wastewater system project, and approve the pool filtration system renovation for the swimming pool. The agenda also included the second reading of the ordinance for the Matlock Bend Road East rezoning, fuel quote comparisons, and departmental/councilmember reports.

The meeting addressed several variance applications related to increasing driveway slopes beyond the standard 10% limit as per Section 14-310.10. Old Business involved the approval of Application #212, which sought a 5% variance for a driveway slope, successfully reworked to 15%. New Business included the unanimous approval of three other applications: Application #215 for a 2% variance (10% to 12% slope), Application #217 for a 3.5% variance (10% to 13.5% slope), and Application #218 for a 3% variance (10% to 13% slope), the latter designed to accommodate aging in place. During the Driveway Slope Review Discussion, the Board approved a motion for staff to proceed with reviewing driveway slope variances up to 20% on an administrative basis, with the goal of amending the code within six months.

The meeting included public hearings prior to the regular session. Key discussions focused on public comments regarding the Oak at Sparrow Valley development, specifically concerning vehicular access and potential density increases. The Commission reviewed Application #219, a Preliminary Plat for The Oak at Sparrow Valley by CMH Homes, Inc. The applicant presented revisions, including a new access configuration from River Road which negated the need for a prior variance request, and confirmed a reduction in the number of lots. The Commission discussed and unanimously approved the revised Preliminary Plat, noting that access, safety, and density concerns were adequately addressed. The meeting also covered the announcement of the Chairman's resignation and the welcoming of a new commissioner.