Noah Taylor

The board adopted a resolution directing the Town Clerk to investigate an annexation petition for Gordon Dooley Holdings LLC. An employee recognition award was presented to a police officer, and the Haywood County Tourism Development Authority Annual Report was presented. The board approved the 2026 Audit Contract and updates to the Pavilion Rental Policy. Proclamations were adopted for Police Week and Public Works Week. Finally, a budget amendment ordinance was adopted to purchase an upgraded computer using the investigative fund balance.

The board conducted a quasi-judicial hearing regarding an appeal of a Notice of Violation issued for a setback encroachment of a garage at 102 Reuben Branch Road. The discussion focused on conflicts between HOA guidelines and the Town's Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) requirements, specifically regarding front and side setback standards in an R-1 residential district. The property owner testified that they relied on HOA guidelines and previous permits, while staff emphasized that town zoning laws supersede HOA covenants. Following deliberation on whether to grant a variance or uphold the violation, the board voted to uphold the zoning administrator's original decision, requiring the structure to be moved or removed to comply with the current setback standards.

The board conducted a quasi-judicial evidentiary hearing regarding a variance request for a property located off Loveland Drive. Key discussion topics included topographical constraints, the identification of a water main encroaching on the proposed building footprint, and the necessity of a 15-foot front setback variance to allow for the construction of a single-family home and detached garage. Following the presentation of the staff report and input from the project contractor and a former developer, the board determined that the variance criteria were met and approved the request.

The board conducted several administrative and quasi-judicial actions, including the reappointment and swearing-in of board members and the re-election of the Chair and Vice-Chair for the year. Key agenda items involved reviewing and approving two variance requests: one for a property on Mari Place to rectify a setback encroachment caused by a handicap bathroom installation, and another for a property on Susan Drive to allow for a garage addition despite lot size and setback limitations. The board discussed the importance of consistent findings of fact for variances, the role of pre-existing conditions versus current zoning standards, and requested a shared contact list for board members.

The meeting centered on a variance request for a property located off Destination Drive (Linson Ridge) regarding subdivision ordinance requirements for utility installation prior to final plat approval. The Board reviewed findings of fact and determined that denying the variance was appropriate as no hardship was established and the request did not uphold the spirit and intent of the ordinance. Additionally, the Board received a reminder regarding a upcoming training class.