The council approved an ordinance on Jan. 7 to change zoning for property at 2510–2530 Balco Road in the Liberty Highlands neighborhood from D3 (single-family) to I-1 (light manufacturing) to allow an outdoor contractor’s yard and related storage.

Tim Gambrell, chief planner, told the council the two parcels total about 1.4 acres and that the applicant sought permission to use the site for outdoor storage of landscape materials, earthmoving equipment and parking for box and pickup trucks. Gambrell said the city’s long-range plan identifies the property as light industrial and that the zoning advisory committee and neighborhood association recommended approval with conditions, including combining the lots and obtaining necessary permits.

Applicant Thomas (Tommy) Trim confirmed the property changed ownership in 2021 and explained a prior assumption that the parcel lay inside Irondale caused delays in resolving the zoning status. Trim said existing operations include a small office in a converted house and greenhouses on site; he also said BDOT had marked parallel parking on the adjacent street and did not view that as an encroachment.

Council members discussed enforcement history and the need for the applicant to replat the lots if required. The committee’s recommendation for approval with listed conditions was moved and approved by voice vote.

Conditions on the case require the owner to secure any necessary permits, combine subdivision lots if required, and satisfy the planning committee’s listed conditions before final site changes proceed.