Board approves Moyle variances to support Moyle Racing Engines at W Pearl Street properties

The City of Knoxville Board of Adjustment voted March 11, 2026 to approve two variance requests from Jaymie Moyle that affect properties on W Pearl Street.

Planning & Zoning Administrator Nathan Parch told the board an 80-foot-by-50-foot metal-clad commercial building proposed for 201 W Pearl Street would partially encroach into the 30-foot front yard adjacent to W Pearl Street and fully encroach into the 10-foot west side yard. Parch said the lot is irregular and the rear lot line follows a railroad right-of-way, which constraints placing a rectangular building without a front setback reduction. He noted nearby buildings with minimal setbacks and a 2022 variance at 214 W Pearl Street that allowed reduced setbacks and metal siding.

The board approved the 201 W Pearl variance on a motion by Geoff Wheelock seconded by Tara Gordon; the roll-call vote was Ayes: Tara Gordon, Linda Hicks, Deborah Tupper, Geoff Wheelock; Absent: Jerry Jones. The board subsequently approved a related variance allowing a front porch encroachment at 209 W Pearl Street, again citing the building's existing 1948 construction and nearby precedent; the motion was made by Geoff Wheelock and seconded by Tara Gordon and recorded with the same vote tally.

No public comments opposing either request were recorded. The approvals allow Moyle to proceed with building and porch work that staff described as compatible with existing nearby commercial designs and with the applicant's adjacent operations at Moyle Racing Engines (209 W Pearl).