Smyrna planning board approves rezoning for seven homes on Bell Drive

The Smyrna Planning and Zoning Board on April 14 approved rezoning case Z25-004 to allow EIB Properties LLC to build seven single-family homes on a 1.01-acre tract at 2731 and 2743 Bell Drive. The board voted 4-0 to recommend changing the zoning from R15 to RMC-8 conditional; the recommendation will go to Mayor and Council on May 19.

Joey Staubs, planner II with Community Development, told the board the request covers two existing single-family lots in Land Lot 528 and would permit development at a density of seven units per acre. Staubs said staff recommends approval subject to standard and project-specific conditions, including architectural standards, protective covenants, minimum open space, underground utilities, compliance with the city tree ordinance, and responsibility for any required traffic improvements and street lighting.

The rezoning application includes six variances and several dimensional exceptions the board would need to accept. Among the conditions and variances cited in the staff report: a front setback reduced to 15 feet, an exterior side setback of 10 feet, interior side setbacks of 5 feet between homes, a rear setback of 25 feet, an increase in maximum impervious coverage from 35% to 45%, and a minimum driveway length of 22 feet. The developer also must dedicate right-of-way along the frontage and install a grass strip and sidewalk on both street frontages. Approval was conditioned on substantial conformity with the submitted site plan and elevations.

Kevin Moore, representing applicant EIB Properties, described the parcel as a small infill site surrounded on three sides by newer townhome developments and said the proposal would provide detached single-family homes as an alternative product to the surrounding townhomes. Moore said the variances were requested because “there's not a really good category for this type of development” on small parcels in this context, and he told the board the applicant agrees with staff's recommended conditions.

The public hearing drew no speakers in favor or opposition. Mr. Howard moved to approve the application; Mr. Rice seconded. The board approved the recommendation by a 4-0 vote. The board minutes for the April 14 meeting were later approved, and the meeting was recorded as ending at 6:13 p.m.

The Mayor and Council will receive the Planning and Zoning Board's recommendation on May 19; any final approvals or conditions beyond the board's recommendation will be decided at that hearing.