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Neighbors oppose setback variance; BZA grants relief for single‑family lot
Summary
After neighbors raised safety, erosion and property‑value concerns, the board approved variances reducing front and rear setbacks for a triangular lot, with the applicant arguing the lot is otherwise unbuildable.
The City of Knoxville Board of Zoning Appeals approved variances to reduce required setbacks for a proposed single‑family dwelling on a triangular lot, despite strong opposition from nearby residents.
Staff said the applicant requests two variances in an R‑1 zoning district: decreasing the minimum front setback from 25 feet to 15 feet and decreasing the minimum rear setback from 25 feet to 5 feet. Engineer Mohammed Nofeb, speaking for the applicant, said "the lot is in odd shape, almost like a triangle" and argued that strict application of the ordinances would render the lot unusable.
Neighbor Charles Holbrook, who identified himself as a 19‑year Foxview Subdivision resident, urged denial and detailed concerns: "I purchased my home because it was a quiet neighborhood off the main road" and said a house that close to Foxview would create safety problems, destroy a wooded buffer and could harm property values and access for 41 families.
Board members examined maps, questioned ownership of the upper parcel and reviewed sightline and grading concerns. Several members acknowledged construction impacts but said the proposed building would be a single house and that, given parcel ownership and constraints, the variances could be appropriate to avoid depriving the owner of reasonable use of the land. A motion to approve was made and the board voted to grant the relief.
The board's discussion emphasized site constraints, the existing easement and whether alternatives had been reasonably examined. The applicant told the board the site will use the existing driveway access easement and that no additional grading beyond the illustrated disturbance was proposed.
