Thunderbolt planning commission approves setback variances for Enmark station, 4-1

The Town of Thunderbolt Planning & Zoning Commission on Feb. 20 approved variances to reduce front and rear setbacks for an Enmark service station on Victory Drive, but conditioned the approval on subsequent site-plan compliance.

Doug Carroll, representing petitioner Enmark Stations, told the commission the company needs the variances for three parcels at 3020 and 3024 Victory Drive and 2613 Whatley Road because “the three lots are unusable for them without the variances.” Carroll said the canopy covering the dispensers encroaches the front setback while the dispensers themselves sit at the permitted line, and he described safety measures including columns and safety valves to protect the pumps from traffic.

Town Attorney Charlie Barrow reminded commissioners that the matter before them was a variance request, not site-plan approval. The commission approved the variance on a motion by Commissioner Len Hiers, seconded by Commissioner John Mattingly, with the condition that Enmark meet all code requirements and obtain board approval of site and building plans covering parking, landscaping, façade appearance and buffering. Citizen Danny McIntosh said he supported the petition. The motion passed with four commissioners in favor and Commissioner Patricia Holland opposed.

The conditional approval allows Enmark to proceed only after the town reviews and signs off on site and building plans. The commission did not adopt a site plan at the meeting and Town Attorney Barrow stressed variance approval does not substitute for design or code review.

Next steps: Enmark must submit required site plans and documentation for staff and board review before construction or any modification can proceed.