Blount County BZA approves front-setback variance for 110 Ultra Way (Lot 35, Parkes Avenue)

The Blount County Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance at its September 2025 meeting to allow a garage to encroach into the 30-foot front setback for a house proposed at 110 Ultra Way (Lot 35, also identified as Parkes Avenue).

The board approved the request under the criteria listed in Section 11.6(f) of the county zoning code. The motion to approve carried on a roll-call vote with all recorded members voting in the affirmative.

Leslie Wyshaka, who identified herself at the podium as the property owner, told the board she intends to make the lot her permanent residence and noted her background: "I am a retired law enforcement officer almost 34 years." Wyshaka said she is seeking approval to place the house forward on the lot so the house will be two levels — a main level with a walkout basement — rather than adding additional basement depth if the house were set farther back.

During the public discussion the board and attendees described the lot as steep. One board member noted the elevation contours suggest a "20 to 30 feet" drop from the front to the back of the lot, a feature the applicant and speakers said influenced the design and the requested setback relief. Wyshaka said the driveway would drop about 3 feet from the road to the house.

Cameron (identified by the chair when introducing the item) described the property as Lot 35 and confirmed the address reference to 110 Ultra Way and Parkes Avenue. The applicant and other speakers said the subdivision maintains a five-acre minimum lot size; speakers said most lots in the subdivision have been built and that the remaining parcels are uneven in buildability because of steep slopes. When asked, Wyshaka said she was not aware of any neighbor objections and that neighbors "are all very pleased." The transcript does not record any formal written objections.

The board tied its action to the criteria in Section 11.6(f) (referenced on the record by staff and in the motion). The motion language in the record cited acceptance of the variance "based on all the criteria listed under 11.6 f." The transcript does not specify which board member moved or seconded the motion. A roll-call at the vote recorded affirmative votes from members identified in the record as Larry, Bruce, Joe and Stanley; the motion was announced as passing.

The application included a request specific to the garage: the applicant sought permission for the garage to intrude 12 feet 3 inches into the 30-foot front setback, leaving 17 feet 7 inches from the front property line to the garage face as described on the record. Other building details and final construction plans were not specified in the transcript.

No appeals, special exceptions or other agenda items were recorded. The meeting concluded with brief administrative remarks about required training and adjournment.