Board denies use variance for used-car sales near North State Road 135; related variance withdrawn

The Greenwood Board of Zoning Appeals on Feb. 24 denied a use variance request to operate used-vehicle sales at 560 North State Road 135 and accepted withdrawal of a dependent dimensional variance.

The petitioner (appearing as representatives for Extreme Automals) sought a use variance to permit automobile sales in a Commercial Medium zone and, separately, relief from the Unified Development Ordinance to allow automobile sales within 50 feet of State Road 135. The petitioner and several residents spoke during the public hearing.

Neighbors raised concerns about environmental contamination from vehicle fluids entering a nearby creek, existing blight on adjacent lots (including a derelict car wash), increased traffic and test-driving impacts on adjoining neighborhood streets, and the proximity of a school and a daycare. Mr. Brad Napier and several neighborhood residents said they worried test drives would use small residential streets and pose risks to children. One resident said the petitioner's current property is poorly maintained and worried the same would occur at the proposed site.

Planning staff recommended denial; staff's report stated that auto sales are more appropriate in the commercial large district and that statutory criteria were not met. After admitting evidence, the board voted to deny the use variance (BCA 2025-002) on the basis that statutory criteria 1, 3 and 4 were not met. The denial passed 5-0. Because the use variance was denied, the related docket (BCA 2025-003) was withdrawn at staff's request and the board approved that withdrawal.

The board directed corporation counsel to draft written findings of fact to memorialize the denial. Ending: With the denial recorded, the petitioner may pursue other lawful uses permitted in the Commercial Medium district or seek rezoning; the board will finalize findings at a subsequent meeting.