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Knoxville BZA denies homeowner’s request for second driveway, finds lack of hardship
Summary
A homeowner’s request to reduce the lot frontage requirement to allow a second driveway (VCA250058) was denied for lack of a qualifying hardship; the board recommended pursuing a circular driveway or other permitted options with staff instead.
The City Board of Zoning Appeals denied a variance request to reduce the minimum required lot frontage for a second driveway from 150 feet to 121 feet for a single-family property (case VCA250058), finding no practical hardship tied to the lot’s physical characteristics.
Jamie Nicholas, the applicant, told the board the additional driveway would provide room for visiting family and safer on-site parking during events and holidays. “I want them to park... I don't want to make no noise from nobody. I mean, quiet person,” Nicholas said, explaining personal and family reasons for the additional space.
Staff and board members said those reasons did not meet the statutory standard for a zoning hardship, which typically requires unusual physical conditions of the lot—such as irregular shape, topography, or easements—that prevent the property’s reasonable use under the zoning ordinance. A staff member told the applicant that permitted alternatives may exist, including a circular driveway that would provide additional on-site parking without requiring a variance.
During discussion a board member summarized the legal standard: hardship generally requires something about the lot itself (size, shape, topography, easement) that prevents normal use; a desire for more parking does not ordinarily qualify. “I don't see a shared hardship here,” a board member said during deliberations.
The board made a motion to deny VCA250058 due to lack of hardship, the motion was seconded, and the board voted to deny the variance. Members voting in favor of denial: Amy Sherald (chair), Daniel Odo and Kimberly Black.
Staff directed the applicant to work with the plans-review/engineering reviewer (staff named in the record) to explore permitted alternatives such as a circular driveway or engineered permeable-grid parking surface that would meet city requirements. The board said staff contact information and permit-review guidance are available to the applicant.
