Smyrna license and variance board approves two alcohol-agent changes, several variances and tables two items

Smyrna’s License and Variance Board on April 9 approved privileged licensed-agent changes for a Walgreens and a GoPuff location, granted multiple zoning variances including permission for a backyard pool that raises impervious-surface coverage, and tabled two requested setbacks/accessory-structure items to the board’s April 23 meeting.

The approvals allow DeMar Cottrell to become the licensed agent for Walgreens at 2390 South Cobb Drive and David Anaskew to serve as agent for GB License LLC, doing business as GoPuff, at 1000 South Pioneer Drive. Richard Garland, the community services administrator for the City of Smyrna and chairing the meeting, noted the Smyrna Police Department conducts routine compliance sting operations and reminded agents of state and local alcohol laws.

Joyce Stobs, planner II with Community Development, told the board the variance request for 1191 Medlin Street was for a substandard lot of record in the R-15 zoning district and recommended approval conditioned on “substantial compliance with the site plan submitted with the variance application.” Applicant Harold Shoemaker said he purchased two properties (1181 and 1191) and plans new construction for each, describing planned homes of about 4,200 square feet with expected price points of $1.35 million to $1.4 million.

The board approved a variance at 2611 Gilbert Street allowing an increase in maximum impervious surface from 35% to 43.8% so the applicant can build an in-ground pool. Joel Powell, the applicant, told the board he agreed to the mitigation proposed by engineering, which includes installing a 166-square-foot infiltration swale in the rear yard. Community Development recommended approval with three conditions: substantial compliance with the submitted mitigation plan; a maintenance agreement recorded with the Cobb County Superior Court before issuing the pool permit; and submission of a stormwater as-built certification to Community Development before issuance of a certificate of completion.

Neighbor Donna Moore of 1362 Marston Street spoke at the public hearing, saying, “I have serious concerns about flooding,” and described previous flooding and yard grading she said followed nearby construction. Staff and the board noted engineering had reviewed the mitigation plan and that the applicant had agreed to the conditions; the board approved the variance.

At 2568 Highland Avenue the board approved a variance that results in a 37.7% impervious-surface figure after the applicant removes 645 square feet of driveway; staff said the net effect reduces runoff compared with a 2003 expansion and that no additional remediation is required. The board also approved the minutes from its March 26 meeting.

At the applicants’ request the board tabled two items—variance requests V25-036 (reduce northern side setback at 4107 Antler Trail) and V25-037 (allow a secondary accessory structure at the same address)—to the April 23 meeting.

Votes at a glance: the board recorded motions and approvals (all motions passed as announced by the chair).