Neighbors oppose Barbary Lane short‑term rentals; hearing deferred to May 27

The Knox County Board of Zoning Appeals on April 1 heard repeated opposition from Barbary Lane residents worried that another home tied to short‑term rental activity will worsen noise, parking and safety problems in the Wexfordstown subdivision. Paul Huff, chairman of the board, read the application for 3324 and 3328 Barbary Lane and noted the applicant, Ben Mullins, was not present; opponents were allowed to present their case.

Mary Loveless, who said she lives at 3317 Barbary Lane, told the board she is “very much against the proposition” of another home at the two lots and said existing properties owned by Sheila and Daniel Crum are being used for temporary lodging and frequent parties that are audible inside her home. Dave Rangel of 3325 Barbary Lane said he had documentation of “congestive” parking, thefts and trash linked to the rental activity and asked the board to consider neighborhood impacts. Gloria Maples said winter street parking had once blocked her son from leaving for dialysis appointments.

Board members clarified that the applicant could request a deferral; at the applicant’s request the board granted a 30‑day deferral and set the matter to be heard May 27. The chair said the item will be posted online when it appears on a future agenda and invited opponents to present now or wait until the applicant is present. The board did not rule on the underlying development at the April meeting.

Why it matters: Neighbors told the board they face recurring late‑night noise, frequent parked vehicles on a narrow residential street and concerns about emergency access. The deferral leaves time for the applicant to appear and for opposition and staff to present evidence and for the board to consider mitigation or conditions.

What’s next: The board rescheduled the Barbary Lane appeal for the May 27 meeting; neighbors and the applicant may present evidence at that hearing.