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Council approves reduced landscape buffer for Green Park Inn to accommodate parking clearance
Summary
The council voted to reduce an opaque landscape buffer on the Green Park Inn property from 16 to 12 feet to accommodate an unanticipated deck overhang and provide truck clearance; approval includes conditions to meet setback and parking code requirements and to work with DOT on right‑of‑way questions.
At a Nov. 12 public hearing, staff described a request to amend the Green Park Inn conditional rezoning to reduce a required opaque landscape buffer along the western property line from 16 feet to 12 feet to gain additional clearance in the parking area.
Kevin Rothrock, presenting the staff report, said the rear deck overhang from the adjacent condos extended farther over the parking area than anticipated, leaving the applicant short on clearance. He told council that the proposed reduction would retain the required 8‑foot building setback and would preserve the minimum parking depth (19 feet) and drive‑aisle width (24 feet) required by code.
Rothrock said DOT still holds right‑of‑way over Go Forth Road and that the town and property owners have discussed the issue with DOT in the past; he noted the relinquishment of DOT rights would be a separate process and does not change the strip of landscaping being considered.
Paul Bavenzi, general manager of Blowing Rock Country Club, spoke in support of the request and said the club had discussed the matter with the applicant and saw mutual benefit in the change.
Town counsel moved to approve the applicant’s request to reduce the buffer from 16 feet to 12 feet. The motion was seconded and carried with councilmembers voting aloud in favor (Kat, David, Melissa, Doug).
The council’s action does not alter the building setback or other site standards; staff said the applicant must still meet conditions tied to the conditional rezoning, and neighbors and the club had engaged in pre‑application discussions. Rothrock said staff and the applicant would continue working with DOT where necessary.
Next steps: The applicant will proceed under the approved amendment and comply with any conditions attached to the change.
