Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use Variance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Smyrna board approves variance for rear addition at 2720 Fraser Street
Summary
The Smyrna License and Variance Board voted unanimously to approve variance V25-012 allowing an addition that encroaches into a 75-foot impervious surface setback at 2720 Fraser Street; staff said the driveway encroachment predates the city's stream-buffer rules.
The Smyrna License and Variance Board on Feb. (date not specified) unanimously approved variance V25-012 to allow a 750-square-foot rear addition at 2720 Fraser Street that encroaches into the city's 75-foot impervious surface setback.
City planner Caitlin Crow, Planner I in Community Development, told the board the 0.23-acre lot was platted in 1954 and that the existing driveway encroachment dates to at least 1993. "This property was platted back in 1954, which is prior to the stream buffer ordinance, which was enacted in 02/2005," Crow said, adding that the applicant will remain below the maximum impervious surface area of 35 percent and is not increasing impervious area.
The applicant, Joel Powell, said the work will remove concrete and add living space to bring the house to modern standards. "We're just gonna take the concrete out, put an addition on the back of the house, kinda bring it up into a living standard that we need here in Smyrna," Powell said, noting the addition includes a master suite, porch and breakfast nook.
Staff noted no mitigation plan was required because the project does not increase impervious surface and because the driveway encroachment predates the city's stream-buffer rules. Crow also cited a nearby, similar variance granted in 2019 at 2730 Fraser Street as precedent.
The board recorded a unanimous vote in favor of the variance. Chair Richard Garland presided; members Bo Jones and Eric Randall voted yes. The approval was conditioned on substantial compliance with the site plan and elevations submitted with the application.
The board did not receive any public opposition at the time of the staff report and added a standard stipulation that the project be built according to the submitted plans.
Powell confirmed the applicants expect to reestablish the rear yard surface when work is complete and said they would avoid heavy equipment inside the buffer where possible. The transcript record shows the applicant said he expects the yard area to be sodded but that a final stabilization or revegetation plan would be submitted with the building permit if required.
The board moved on after the vote; no additional follow-up tasks or deadlines were specified in the meeting record.
