BZA grants variance for driveway slope at 178 Purple Iris Place
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Summary
The Board of Zoning Appeals approved an 18% variance to allow a driveway slope of 28% at 178 Purple Iris Place, finding the steep slope was a topographical existing condition linked to prior site fill; the builder warned rebuilding would be costly.
The Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance to allow a driveway slope increase from the 10% maximum to 28% at 178 Purple Iris Place, concluding the steep condition resulted from topography and prior fill placed on the lot.
Charles Culberson, the builder, and Austin Collins, the property owner, said Tennessee National's work on the subdivision left the lot with significant imported fill and that the house was lowered as much as possible during construction. Culberson said more than 100 loads of dirt were moved and that altering the driveway to fully comply would require tearing off major portions of the completed work. “We're hoping we get this thing resolved without having to tear off the garage and tear off the face of the house,” Culberson said.
Planning staff described the slope as an existing, topography‑driven condition that qualifies for a variance under the applicable zoning standards (section 14‑310‑10 as cited in the application). Board members discussed possible design alternatives and stressed the benefit of requiring slope percentages on submitted site plans so future conflicts can be caught earlier.
A motion to approve the 18% variance was made and seconded; the board voted by voice and approved the variance. The facilitator welcomed the owners to Loudon City following the vote.