Smyrna board approves multiple variances, denies sidewalk waiver for Wooddrift coffee shop

The Smyrna License and Variance Board on March 26 approved a package of variances for private developments while denying a request to waive a sidewalk required along Wooddrift Drive for a new coffee shop at 2468 Spring Road.

The board voted unanimously to approve V25-028, which reduces required parking for the Spring Road coffee shop from 37 spaces to 31 (including a shared‑parking agreement); V25-030, which reduces a side setback from 10 feet to 4 feet for a dumpster enclosure at the same site; V25-031, allowing additional accessory structures at 1410 Mosswood Lane; and three variances that allow encroachment into city stream‑buffer or impervious‑surface setbacks at 951 Reid/Reed Road (V25-032) and at 1071 Bank Street (V25-033 and V25-034). The board also recorded that V25-027, a variance the applicant asked to withdraw, was withdrawn. The board denied V25-029, a request to eliminate the sidewalk requirement under section 717.131, by motion that also passed unanimously.

Why it matters: the votes affect several small businesses and homeowners and involve city goals on pedestrian connectivity and environmentally protective stream buffers. City staff recommended approval for most requests but recommended denial of the sidewalk waiver to keep the city’s corridor and connectivity plans intact.

Staff summary and conditions Caitlin Crowe, Planner I in Smyrna Community Development, described the proposals and staff positions. For the Spring Road property (Land Lot 810) Crowe said the remodel converts an office to a dine‑in restaurant, which under code requires 37 spaces; the applicant proposed 11 on site plus a shared‑parking agreement across the street for 20 more, yielding…