The City of Conway Board of Zoning Appeals convened on September 25, 2025, to address a significant tree appeal concerning a live oak tree associated with Parker's Kitchen. This appeal was moved from the city council to the Board of Zoning Appeals as part of procedural adjustments.

The discussion began with a review of the applicant's request, initially submitted in December 2024, to prune a 36-inch live oak tree due to concerns about overhead power lines. City staff had previously denied this request, stating that the tree did not interfere with the power lines as indicated in the approved plans for Parker's Kitchen.

Following the denial, Parker's Kitchen appealed to the city’s tree board, which convened on January 8, 2025. During this meeting, representatives from Parker's Kitchen and Horry Electric were present. The tree board requested a pruning plan to ensure compliance with established standards, but staff reported that this plan was never submitted. Subsequently, on February 4, Horry Electric proceeded to trim the tree without city approval.

An inspection by a certified arborist revealed that the pruning did not adhere to the ANSI A300 standards for proper techniques. As a result of these actions, the property owner faced a penalty of $22,950 for the improper pruning of the live oak. Parker's Kitchen had already planted 10 of the required 27 trees, which reduced their penalty to $14,450 in mitigation fees.

The appeal to the Board of Zoning Appeals was based on the argument that the pruning was conducted by a third party, Horry Electric, and not by Parker's Kitchen itself. The board discussed the implications of this appeal, with staff confirming receipt of the mitigation fee check from Parker's Kitchen.

Katie Dennis, the tree board liaison, was present to address any questions regarding the case. The meeting concluded with a focus on the procedural aspects of the appeal and the next steps for resolving the penalty issue.