Board denies use variance for home-based nail salon at Echo Bend Street

The Greenwood Board of Zoning Appeals denied a requested use variance on Jan. 12 that would have allowed a nail salon to operate as a commercial use in a residential-large zoning district at 686 Echo Bend Street.

Petitioner Leah Betts requested permission to operate a small salon from an accessory structure at her residence. Betts and several neighbors said the operation would be small and low-traffic; proponents included nearby residents Crystal (address given in the record) and Eric Ferguson, who told the board they expected little disruption. Multiple neighbors and remonstrators—Rob Parkland, Rebecca Hacker, Lana and others—expressed concerns that allowing a salon would set a precedent for other commercial activities, increase street parking and traffic, and change neighborhood character.

Staff recommended denial, noting beauty salons are prohibited in the residential district, that meeting ADA and accessibility requirements would likely require modifications such as a 36-inch accessible path and designated accessible parking, and that restrictive covenants in the subdivision run with the land and could independently prohibit the use. The board admitted written correspondence into the record summarizing opposition (emails and letters from neighbors, including Jeremy Elmore and a resident identified as Wanda). After public comment and a five-minute applicant rebuttal, Mr. Peters moved to deny the variance; the motion was seconded by Mr. Moll and carried 4–0.

The board directed corporate counsel to draft written findings reflecting the statutory criteria and the evidence the board relied upon in denying petition BZA2025-044. The denial means the petitioner may pursue other lawful options (for example, home occupations that meet UDO standards) or seek to amend covenants if those private restrictions are a barrier.