Board approves special exemption for title-acquisition business at 540 Parkway Road; owner says no on-site vehicle sales

The Board of Zoning Appeals approved a special-exemption request Sept. 18 for James Carter at 540 Parkway Road so he can obtain zoning verification required by the state to secure an auto-dealer license for title-acquisition services. Carter told the board he does not buy or sell vehicles on site, will not have vehicle traffic or pedestrian customers, and conducts title work online, by phone and through mail. A neighbor who said she lives across the road confirmed in public comment that she had observed no vehicle traffic related to Carter’s business. Board members reviewed the conditional-use and compatibility criteria — ingress/egress, noise, screening, utilities — and concluded the operation, as described, met the standards for a special exemption because it would run from the owner’s home with no public-facing vehicle display or sales on the property. Nut graf: The exemption allows Carter to obtain the zoning letter the state requires for dealer licensing while the board recorded that the operation will be home-based, largely online, and will not increase vehicle traffic or require utility upgrades. During the hearing Carter showed floor plans and parcel maps and said he had been operating at the location for about two months. Staff and the board discussed whether a change to commercial zoning or other permits would be necessary; Carter said the state requires only a zoning letter stating the use is permitted for licensing. A motion to approve the special exemption carried on voice vote; a neighbor spoke in favor and no one spoke in opposition. Ending: The board approved the exemption and reminded the applicant to complete any additional county licensing or tax steps required by state or county regulations.