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Planning Commission approves Hunters Grove preliminary plat with multiple variances, 5-3
Summary
The Lebanon Planning Commission approved a preliminary plat for the Hunters Grove subdivision and granted variances for three cul-de-sacs, block length and the threshold for a second access, despite staff recommendation to deny.
The Lebanon Planning Commission on Feb. 24 approved a preliminary plat for Hunters Grove, a proposed 183-lot conservation subdivision on about 106.14 acres, and granted variances for three cul-de-sacs, block length and the timing of a second full access, voting 5-3.
Staff told the commission the project was previously approved in 2018 but had not met interim submittal requirements and that the proposal must meet current standards. Planning staff recommended denial, citing multiple variance requests without demonstrated hardships, including cul-de-sacs without documented topographic hardship and a block length exceeding the 1,200-foot standard by more than 2,000 feet.
Luke Talley, representing the applicant’s engineering consultant, told the commission he was "happy to answer any questions" and thanked staff for working through review comments.
Resident Derek Dawson urged commissioners to consider topography and onsite conditions, saying in part: "That branch significantly floods because the water's coming right off the hill... the middle section of the property... is covered by cedar forest... which will require significant blasting." Dawson also called attention to a large, old tree he asked the commission to protect.
Commission discussion referenced the property's prior approvals (including access allowances) and whether the developer had addressed the outstanding technical issues. A motion to approve — including the requested variances and language directing the applicant to work with the city engineering staff and the Tennessee Department of Transportation on any required second access — passed 5-3.
The vote was recorded verbally at the meeting; commissioners named during the roll call who were recorded as voting yes included John (aye), Ronnie (aye), Chuck (aye), Chad (aye) and Mac McCluskey (aye). Commissioner Chris voted no. The planning secretary announced the tally as "5 yeses, 3 nos; motion carried passes."
