BZA denies request for front‑yard parking pad at 807 Hillsborough Road

The Franklin Board of Zoning Appeals denied a variance request Nov. 6 that would have allowed a parking pad to encroach into the front yard of 807 Hillsborough Road.

Planning staff recommended denial, finding the applicant had not demonstrated the unique hardship or exceptional conditions required under the local variance standards. Staff said the property already has a gated rear parking area and the applicant plans to add a two‑car garage and expand parking behind the house; staff noted alternatives that would comply with the zoning ordinance, including a small wall to prevent front‑yard turnarounds.

Cody Crawford, representing the homeowners, said the rear parking area is gated and inaccessible to delivery vehicles and may not accommodate larger vehicles; he said drivers have had to back onto Hillsborough Road during school traffic and called that a safety concern. He also asked whether other properties on Hillsborough had received similar variances.

Board members discussed enforcement history and precedent on Hillsborough Road. Planning staff said some front‑yard pads predate the ordinance and that the department had issued notices of violation in several cases where front parking occurred without permits. After discussion, a motion to deny the variance was made and seconded. The roll call vote recorded Board member Beams: deny; Board member Scales: deny; Board member Langley: deny; Board member Smith: deny; Board member Flushauer: deny. The motion carried and the variance was denied.

The board cited the ordinance's intent that the house, rather than parked cars, remain the visual focus of a lot and expressed concern about setting a precedent that would encourage other front‑yard expansions along a busy corridor.