Brentwood BZA approves four accessory structures, defers one after height questions

The Brentwood Board of Zoning Appeals on Aug. 18 approved four requests for detached accessory structures and accepted a deferral on a fifth application after members and staff identified discrepancies about height measurements and plan revisions.

Board members approved an accessory barn at 9207 Old Smyrna Road, on a historic Snead Acres parcel, and granted approvals for accessory buildings at 9725 Concord Road, a property in Concord, an accessory building in Annandale Subdivision, and a pool-house-like structure in Fountainhead Subdivision. The request for a 721-square-foot structure at 9615 Mitchell Place in Magnolia Vail Subdivision was deferred by the applicant after the board and applicant identified conflicting plan dates and uncertainty whether the structure would exceed the 25-foot maximum height used by code.

The board heard each application in turn and acted on staff recommendations subject to standard conditions and building-code compliance. Allison (planning staff) summarized zoning citations and applicability for each parcel during the presentations.

At the meeting the board approved a detached accessory structure at 9207 Old Smyrna Road (BZA2507-002). William Owen, who identified himself as the owner of 9207 Old Smyrna Road, told the board the property "has been in my family since 1798." Staff said the proposed metal-sided barn with a metal roof will be located behind the house, will be painted to match the house, is approximately 16.5 feet to the tallest peak and will be used to house animals (staff described it as a barn intended to house horses in the future). Staff also noted the parcel is a historic property on the city esignation list and that the Historic Commission preferred a wood or wood-like structure; staff nevertheless recommended approval with four standard conditions and required compliance with building codes. The motion to approve passed with the board voting in favor.

The Magnolia Vail application for 9615 Mitchell Place, submitted by Cool Springs Construction and represented at the meeting by Bridal Chapman, was the most contested item. Chapman said she could "make it under the 25" foot limit by adjusting grading, and the applicant provided a more recent plan dated 06/11 that contained different height figures than the plan included in the packet (dated 06/07). Board members and staff indicated the discrepancy left insufficient verified information for a final decision. Todd (board member) recommended the applicant defer until corrected plans and a clear height measurement were submitted; the applicant requested the deferral and the item will return at a later meeting.

At 9725 Concord Road (BZA2507-001), Chad Anderson requested a 2,500-square-foot detached structure (2,000 square feet enclosed plus a covered porch). Anderson said the building is intended as year-round indoor space for family use and not for habitation ("it's not designed for someone to live in or a guest house"). The application included a waiver request for the code requirement that accessory-structure exterior materials and roof pitch match the principal structure. Staff recommended approval with four standard conditions and noted that the board may waive the compatibility requirement where neighboring properties would not be harmed. The board approved the request; no conditions beyond the standard ones and compliance with staff notes were added in the motion.

An Encore Construction application in Annandale Subdivision for a 748-square-foot detached structure (white painted brick, stone chimney, standing-seam metal roof) was presented by Clint Mason and approved with one additional condition: an as-built survey will be required before final inspection and issuance of a certificate of completion, in addition to the four standard conditions.

Omni Remodeling represented by Bobby Fitzpatrick received approval for a 592-square-foot detached structure in Fountainhead Subdivision. The exterior will be brick painted white with cedar accents and a shingle roof; the structure includes an outdoor fireplace that the applicant said will be wood-burning and is sited roughly 50 to 75 feet from the neighboring house, according to the presentation. Staff reported no correspondence opposing the application.

Votes at a glance - BZA2507-002 (9207 Old Smyrna Road) pproved; motion made and seconded; tally recorded by the board as in favor (unanimous among members present). - Magnolia Vail (9615 Mitchell Place) eferred by applicant after plan-date and height discrepancies were identified; no final vote on the merits. - BZA2507-001 (9725 Concord Road) pproved; motion made and seconded; board voted in favor. - Annandale (Exton Lane; packet lists Lot/address as in transcript) pproved; motion made and seconded; additional condition: as-built survey before final inspection. - Fountainhead (Woodland Hills Drive; packet lists Lot/drive as in transcript) pproved; motion made and seconded; board voted in favor.

The board lso noted the Tennessee chapter of the American Planning Association (TAPA) fall conference in October; staff said registration details will be emailed when available. The board adjourned after the items were completed.