Planning commission presses Walker Estates developer over stream crossing variance tied to endangered salamander habitat

Walker Estates LLC asked the Planning Commission for a variance to exceed local block-length and block-perimeter limits for Sections 3 and 4 of the Walker Estates subdivision, a 66-lot conservation subdivision on roughly 27.09 acres near Raden Drive and Hartman Drive.

The applicant said the request stems from an absolute buffer around a stream that runs through the site and that state agencies have imposed restrictions protecting endangered salamander habitat. "The restriction is an absolute restriction. You can't get in the stream," said Byron Gill, the applicant's representative with Rochelle McLennan. Gill said he spoke with Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation staff, who confirmed they were unwilling to remove the restriction.

Staff told the commission that the stated hardship — the presence of a stream — does not in itself qualify as the type of hardship contemplated by the local…