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Residents complain of missed notice for variance at 498 Grant St., say developer plans short-term rental
Summary
Neighbors of 498 Grant Street told the commission they were not notified of a Planning and Zoning Commission setback-variance hearing that approved construction on a narrow lot. The speakers said the new build will be a duplex intended for short-term rental use and asked the city to accept an appeal without requiring legal counsel.
Two homeowners whose property borders a vacant lot at 498 Grant Street told the Danville City Commission during public comment that they were not notified of a January Planning and Zoning Commission hearing that approved a setback variance for the adjacent parcel.
Jeffrey Alford said he learned only recently that planning staff had approved a variance allowing a structure on an unusually narrow lot. "We were not notified, of that hearing," Alford said. He told the commission his family discovered surveyors marking the lot and that the proposed building footprint would leave little distance between the new structure and his yard. Alford said he and his wife had contacted Planning and Zoning staff and were told they could appeal but had been told by a staff member that an attorney would be required to file the appeal.
Laura Alford said the lot's owner, identified in the record as Marcus Hawkins, told them he plans to build a duplex intended for short-term rental use. "We believe our area is oversaturated with Airbnbs," she said, linking short-term rental growth with higher housing costs in the neighborhood. She said Planning and Zoning staff told them they must hire an attorney to pursue an appeal despite not having received certified notice of the hearing.
Mayor and staff clarified for the record that the Planning and Zoning Commission has its own counsel; the mayor noted Henry Smith is not the city attorney for the Planning Commission. The Alfords asked the city commission to direct Planning and Zoning staff to accept an administrative appeal without requiring them to retain counsel; staff took the concern for follow-up. The Alfords said they would pursue the appeal if formal notice requirements were not met.
No formal action was taken by the city commission during the public-comment period; staff indicated they would follow up with the Alfords and with Planning and Zoning to clarify the notification and appeals process.
