Board denies large setback variances for lakefront lot citing floodplain and precedent concerns
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Summary
The board denied multiple large variances for a Burton Point Road property that would have reduced front and rear setbacks and increased encroachment, citing floodplain constraints, TDEC septic field restrictions and the lack of precedent for large front yard variances in the neighborhood.
The Wilson County Board of Zoning Appeals denied a request to replace an existing house with a new structure that would require multiple and substantial variances on a small lakefront lot at 812 Burton Point Road.
Representatives for the applicant, including Scott Blich appearing on behalf of Justin Latimer, said the proposed home could not be placed deeper on the lot because existing septic field lines must be preserved and TDEC requires a 25‑foot buffer from those field lines. Staff noted tax records show the current house was built in 1973 and that the age of the lot of record could not be definitively established; staff also noted FEMA minimum building requirements for properties that include floodplain.
Board members said that while some relief for older lots of record is common, the board generally avoids granting large front‑yard setback variances and that there is no neighborhood precedent for the requested 12‑to‑18‑foot front‑setback change. The motion to deny was carried by voice vote, and staff reminded the applicant that other regulatory hurdles (FEMA/TDEC) would remain even if a variance were granted.