Cherokee County commissioners work through conditions for veterinary memorial garden variance appeal

Cherokee County commissioners on March 4 discussed detailed conditions for an appeal of Zoning Board of Appeals variances requested for a veterinary property proposed for memorial gardens and an animal crematory.

Planning staff summarized the case: the applicant sought seven variances related to buffer widths, streetscape and tree requirements along Highway 92 and setbacks adjacent to residentially zoned property. "This case was an appeal of variances by the Zoning Board of Appeals," staff member Thomas Trawick told the board, summarizing the board's December 12 decision. He said the Zoning Board denied some requests and approved others with conditions, and the applicant appealed the denials.

Under current ordinance, a 50-foot buffer is required where light-industrial zoning abuts residential zoning. The applicant proposed to retain a 50-foot rear buffer in the area adjoining a neighbor but requested the side buffers be reduced to 10 feet to allow parking and landscaping. The applicant also asked for a break in the Highway 92 overlay fence to allow a sign, and for adjustments to the required number of overstory street trees.

Commissioners and staff explored a compromise approach: allow 10-foot buffers on the…