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Board approves accessory-apartment special use permit for aging-parent housing with occupancy restriction
Summary
The Board approved application Z26004 allowing an accessory apartment at 1711 Sprout Drive to house the applicant’s aging parent; staff clarified the unit’s net floor area is 693.2 sq ft (excluding laundry/closet per zoning definition) and conditioned approval on a recorded restriction prohibiting rental and separate utilities.
The Murfreesboro Board of Zoning Appeals on March 25 approved a special use permit to establish an accessory apartment at 1711 Sprout Drive so the applicant’s aging parent may occupy the unit.
Planning staff reviewed application Z26004 by Colleen Fogle and said the accessory apartment would be integrated within a new principal structure, would have a net floor area of 693.2 square feet when laundry and closet spaces are excluded under the zoning definition, and meets RS‑15 setbacks and maximum height requirements. Staff noted the accessory unit includes a kitchen, living area, one bedroom and one bath and that the only exterior entrance would be at the rear of the house.
"Because of how floor area is defined in the ordinance, the laundry room and walk-in closet are excluded from the net floor-area calculation," Mr. Anthony said during staff presentation, explaining why the unit measures 693.2 sq ft rather than the higher gross area that includes those spaces.
Staff recommended approval conditioned on recording a restriction prepared by the city attorney that would limit occupancy to family members or invited guests and prohibit use as a rental to non-family members, prevent separate utility meters or a separate mailing address, and require completion of Building Codes permits before issuing a certificate of occupancy. The applicant confirmed understanding and said the unit is intended for an aging parent.
No members of the public spoke during the public hearing. The board voted to approve the special use permit on roll call (Mr. Batchelor Aye, Mr. Tibbs Aye, Vice Chair Halliburton Aye, Chairman Young Aye).
Outcome: Z26004 approved with conditions requiring the recorded occupancy restriction, no separate utilities or address, and completion of building-code requirements prior to occupancy.
Next steps: Recordation of the restriction and final Building Codes clearance are required before the accessory apartment may be occupied.
