Planning commission approves two critical-slope exceptions for a Metobrook Road addition and botanical-garden trails

Dan O’Connell, planner with Neighborhood Development Services, briefed the commission on two separate critical-slope special-exception requests.

The first, for 2010 Metobrook Road, sought to add a rear addition, patio and landscaping on a lot constrained by existing critical slopes and a sanitary-sewer easement. Staff recommended approval without conditions, noting the topography and existing constraints would otherwise unreasonably restrict reasonable redevelopment. Commissioners asked whether the slope impacts were largely man‑made (from the original foundation work) and whether parks staff had reviewed drainage impacts; the applicant confirmed grading with retaining walls and staff reported no parks comments in the record. The commission voted to recommend approval on a roll-call vote.

The second request covered 950 Melbourne Road for the Botanical Garden of the Piedmont within McIntire Park. The multi-parcel project would construct accessible trails, a bridge crossing the stream, a parking area and internal pedestrian connections inside a deer fence to protect plantings. Staff found both the special‑exception findings related to unusual property conditions and public benefit applied and recommended approval; the garden’s executive director, Jill Trishman Marks, said the submission is for full buildout and the team does not expect to return for additional critical-slope variances. Commissioners asked detailed questions about limits of disturbance, tree preservation, phasing and the location of bridges and utility work; the commission approved the exception.

Both approvals were recorded by roll-call vote; staff noted no conditions were recommended for either approval and that applicants will proceed with final site‑review and permitting steps.