Gallatin Board of Zoning Appeals approves three land‑use requests

The Gallatin Board of Zoning Appeals, meeting in Gallatin, approved three land‑use requests, granting a setback and lot‑coverage variance at 944 Lakeshore Drive, issuing a conditional use permit for Cedars Paradise Crossing at 707 West Eastland Street, and approving a variance to allow barbed wire on top of perimeter security fencing for a 13.84‑acre industrial parcel (Project Lasso).

The planning staff and applicants presented each item in turn. Brad Hickman, a city staff planner, described the Lakeshore Drive property as a pre‑ordinance house in the Leland Heights subdivision and said the planning department recommended denial of the variance request. The resolution (GMBZA Resolution 2025‑004) sought an 11.61‑foot variance from the 20‑foot east side yard setback, a 4.59‑foot variance from the 20‑foot west side yard setback and 1,087 square feet (about 4.7 percent) of additional lot coverage above the 15 percent maximum for the 0.53‑acre parcel identified as Tax Map 136D A007.00 in R‑40 (low‑density residential). Seth Neal, representing Upscale Construction, described the work as adding a forward‑facing garage and enclosing an existing deck to create a sunroom, and said staff and stormwater review were ongoing.

Resident Rick Murphy spoke in support of the neighbors, and Albert “Chip” Fielding, the property owner at 944 Lakeshore Drive, told the board that forward‑facing garages are present on neighboring lots. A board member moved to approve the variance “based on hardship due to physical conditions” (the lot’s nonconforming size), minimum necessary relief, and no harm to adjacent properties; Ms. Gregory seconded. The board voted in favor and granted the variance.

For Cedars Paradise Crossing (GMVZA Resolution 2025‑005), Charlie Peery, a city staff planner, said the applicant proposed constructing two single‑family dwelling units behind an existing house on a 0.59‑acre lot at 707 West Eastland Street, creating a multifamily use that requires a conditional use permit under section 06.02.02.c of the Gallatin Zoning Ordinance. Peery said the proposal meets minimum development area requirements and that a site plan to the planning commission would be required to finalize stormwater, access and architecture details. Andy Leith of Greenlit Design said the application was straightforward. A board member moved to approve the conditional use permit; Ms. Holder seconded. The board approved the permit.

Project Lasso (GMVZA Resolution 2025‑006) asked permission to place 1 foot of barbed wire above a 6‑foot vinyl‑coated chain‑link fence (creating a 7‑foot total height) along the front yard, side yard and rear yard of a 13.84‑acre parcel in the Industrial General (IG) district (Tax Map 127, Parcel 064.03). Kimberly Atlee, city staff planner, said the site is in an industrial area, on a dead‑end road and surrounded by industrial uses; she said the planning commission discussed the fencing and “strongly encouraged” approval if the applicant sought a variance. Rosemary Bates, executive director of the Gallatin Economic Development Agency, urged approval, saying the company is new to the community and needs to protect a commodity. Brad Snyder of CSDG, representing the applicant, said the barbed wire is consistent with similar uses nearby. A motion to approve the variance passed.

Votes at a glance: - GMBZA Resolution 2025‑004 (944 Lakeshore Drive): Variance to side yard setbacks and lot coverage. Motion to approve moved (mover not specified in the record); Ms. Gregory seconded. Outcome: approved. Staff recommendation: denial. Notes: Applicant to coordinate stormwater remediation and verify existing French drain; owner stated garage will be forward‑facing and that neighboring properties have similar garages. - GMVZA Resolution 2025‑005 (707 West Eastland Street — Cedars Paradise Crossing): Conditional Use Permit to allow two additional single‑family units behind an existing residence, creating a multifamily site. Motion to approve moved (mover not specified); Ms. Holder seconded. Outcome: approved. Staff recommendation: approval with five conditions; site plan to planning commission required for stormwater, access and architecture. - GMVZA Resolution 2025‑006 (Project Lasso): Variance to allow barbed wire on top of perimeter fencing (7 feet total). Motion to approve moved (mover not specified); Ms. Gregory seconded. Outcome: approved. Staff recommendation: approval with condition that front yard fencing not create visibility issues on adjacent driveway.

The meeting included limited public comment: Rick Murphy of Lakeshore Drive spoke in support of his neighbors; Chip Fielding, the owner at 944 Lakeshore Drive, noted neighboring homes with forward‑facing garages; and Rosemary Bates, executive director of the Gallatin Economic Development Agency, urged approval of the industrial fence variance. Staff noted training opportunities for board members at the upcoming Tennessee APA fall conference and a longtime member announced plans to step down after 12 years.

The board’s formal actions followed staff presentations and brief applicant remarks; detailed vote tallies by board member were not read into the record for these items. The zoning ordinance section cited for the conditional use request was section 06.02.02.c of the Gallatin Zoning Ordinance, and variance findings were discussed in reference to the ordinance’s standards A through J.