The City of Central Board of Adjustments on a motion denied a variance request for a manufactured home at 7162 Shady Park Drive, a 0.55-acre lot, after multiple residents said the change would harm neighborhood character and property values.

The applicant’s representative argued the property sits outside a traditional neighborhood and said zoning irregularities and inconsistent enforcement created the hardship. He asked the board to consider examples of other variances in the area and said, “I don't see any reason not to approve this.”

The board heard more than a half-dozen public comments opposing the request. Carol Arbonneau, who said she lives on Offer Drive, said a manufactured home near Greenville Springs Road was grandfathered in years ago and that placing another would “bring my value down.” Earl Albano, a 35-year resident, told the board the subdivision maintains its property values and asked the board to keep mobile homes out. Aaron McKinney, a city council member, summarized the council's intent that the ordinance preserve “similar character” along the roads that define a subdivision and recommended the board deny the variance.

Board members debated whether the lot’s layout and nearby examples created a demonstrable, unique hardship. One commissioner said the hardship standard requires uniqueness to the specific parcel and expressed concern about creating a “snowball effect” that could encourage similar requests on other neighborhood lots. After discussion, a board member moved to deny the variance for lack of a demonstrable hardship; another board member seconded the motion. On roll call the motion carried and the request was denied. The board chair reminded those appealing they have 30 days to seek review in the 19th Judicial District Court.

The applicant Melissa Martin was listed on the application but was not present; a representative spoke in her stead. Several residents said the property had been before the board previously and noted an earlier denial on a related parcel.

The board’s action only addressed the variance request before it; no changes to the city’s comprehensive zoning code were made at the meeting. Residents and the council member urged clearer ordinance language and mapping to reduce future ambiguity about where manufactured homes are allowed.