Jonesboro panel approves variance for gravel storage area beside rental business

John Neely, of Associate Engineering, said the applicant is seeking a variance to locate a gravel storage area and lay a Class 7 base with a screened chain-link fence next to an existing rental business on MLK Boulevard. "We're asking for a variance to put a gravel storage area next to the existing [rental business]," Neely said during his presentation.

Staff and members questioned site details, including whether a landscape plan had been submitted and how the lot's separate ownership would affect permitting. Staff told the panel a landscape plan had been provided and noted the parcel is separate from the building's parcel; as a result, the applicant could either replat the parcels into one or seek a conditional-use permit from the Metropolitan Area Planning Commission (MAPC) for the parking/storage area. Staff also raised stormwater/detention concerns for the east side of the lot.

Board members emphasized the request was limited to permitting the gravel surface and screening; they said MAPC could not vary pavement type and that a conditional-use approval would not alter the pavement requirement. One member moved to grant the variance as requested and another seconded the motion. Roll-call votes were recorded in the transcript as affirmative and the motion was approved as recorded.

The panel approved the variance for the gravel storage area with screening; staff said they would verify compliance with other site requirements and the applicant was advised on the replat versus conditional-use options. No further public comment on this item was recorded.