Smyrna board approves variance to allow second accessory structures at Cobb Parkway site

The Smyrna License and Variance Board at its July meeting approved a variance allowing a second accessory structure at 2579 Cobb Parkway, where a new Raising Cane's restaurant and associated drive-through canopy and dumpster enclosure are planned, city staff said.

Caitlin Crow, land services development coordinator for Smyrna Community Development, told the board the parcel is a little over 2 acres and currently houses a restaurant. Crow said the proposed drive-through canopy and a required detached dumpster enclosure each count as accessory structures; city ordinance limits parcels to one accessory structure, so a variance was required. Staff recommended approval with two conditions: substantial compliance with the submitted site plan and elevations, and that the two parcels be combined via a combination plat before issuance of a certificate of occupancy.

Crow said the project would include a two-car drive-through and a canopy over the ordering area, and that Community Development considers the hardship not self-created because a restaurant has occupied the site since 1995. Harrison Aiken, who spoke for the applicant, said he had no additional comments and agreed to the stipulations.

Two neighboring property owners spoke during public comment, raising operational concerns that the board said fall outside its narrow variance role. Steve Mistrangelo, owner of 2569 Cobb Parkway, said his tenant’s business has suffered when on-site parking at the adjacent restaurant was limited and asked how parking for the new development would be addressed. Joseph DeBose, who owns a nearby State Farm office, said he shares a driveway with the site and expressed concern about traffic flow for his customers if the drive-through canopy alters access.

Andrea Worthy, economic development director and chairing the board, noted those parking and access issues are zoning or engineering matters and not part of the variance decision; she pointed attendees to staff in the front row for follow-up. Crow and the project engineer said existing driveways will be reused and that easements in place will preserve the drives.

The board moved and seconded a motion to approve variance request V25-058 to allow a secondary accessory structure at Land Lot 879 (2579 Cobb Parkway). The motion passed unanimously. The board’s approval is conditioned on the two staff stipulations recorded in the file.

The decision authorizes the detached canopy and dumpster enclosure to remain as accessory structures under the conditions listed; separate zoning or site-access approvals may still be required before permits are issued.