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Smyrna board approves special exception to formalize mixed business uses at Courier Place
Summary
The Town of Smyrna Board of Zoning Appeals approved a special exception for properties at 1068–1088 Courier Place to allow contract construction services, consumer repair services, general business services and general retail trade; staff said the site has about 112 striped parking spaces and conforms to ordinance criteria.
The Town of Smyrna Board of Zoning Appeals voted to approve a special exception that will allow a set of commercial uses at multiple addresses on Courier Place.
Staff member Mitch presented the request, which applies to properties listed as 1068 through 1088 Courier Place and was submitted on behalf of owner Michael Woods. Mitch said the parcel is zoned I-1 and currently hosts a mix of tenants — contractors, a food market, suppliers, warehouse and shipping businesses, security system installers and staffing agencies — most of which generate low customer traffic. “Staff finds that the lot could provide sufficient off-street parking, as there are approximately a 112 total striped parking spaces on this parcel to support all the tenants,” Mitch said, summarizing staff’s findings under sections 7.06 and 5.053 of the municipal zoning ordinance.
Mitch told the board that prior BZA decisions included a 2005 denial of a bar/restaurant application because of parking concerns and a 2023 approval related to the existing food market and a staffing agency. He said the applicant’s original request covered many potential uses but staff narrowed the application to the four uses currently present on site to match existing operations and anticipated business licenses.
The board asked clarifying questions about adjacent property ownership and whether existing tenants already meet ordinance requirements. The presiding officer opened a public hearing; no members of the public stepped forward to speak. John, a board member, noted that Baylor was present to represent the owner in case questions arose.
John moved to approve the special exception; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The board recorded affirmations and the presiding officer announced that the request was approved.
After the vote, staff reported no additional business. The presiding officer welcomed Tyler Short to the Board of Zoning Appeals and noted that Vanessa Haley had moved to a position on the planning commission. The meeting concluded with brief member remarks.
What happens next: The transcript records the board’s approval but does not specify conditions attached to the permit, the effective date, or any follow-up reporting requirements; those details were not specified in the meeting record.
