At its April 2025 meeting, the Smyrna Board of Zoning Appeals approved a special exception to allow a detached accessory apartment at 1265 Old Nashville Highway for applicant Maria Vasquez.

Staff told the board the proposed new dwelling would be 20 feet by 30 feet (600 square feet) and that an existing 192-square-foot shed had been reported in staff documents; a board member later noted that the structure had been removed. Staff said total detached accessory structures on the lot would total 792 square feet, under the 800-square-foot maximum allowed for the property.

Mitch, a town planning staff member, summarized the municipal zoning ordinance criteria (Section 7.06) and said the site is zoned R2 and is approximately 33,871 square feet. He reported the lot can meet setback and off-street parking requirements, that utilities (water and sewer) are available, and that the driveway length (about 250 feet) provides space for multiple vehicles. Staff recommended approval with conditions including payment of applicable fees (Rutherford County development tax, town and impact fees, code inspection fees), that the building not be used for rental purposes, and that the structure meet all applicable code and fire-department requirements.

There were no speakers from the public on the item. A board member moved to approve the special exception with staff recommendations; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote. The board then moved on to the next agenda item.

The approval is for the accessory dwelling as described; final building permits and inspections, and any required inspections by the town, remain prerequisites to construction.