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Greenwood BZA approves limited use variance for vehicle upfitting at Airport Parkway with conditions
Summary
Despite a staff recommendation to deny, the Greenwood Board of Zoning Appeals approved a use variance allowing appointment-only vehicle upfitting and installation at an Airport Parkway unit, imposing conditions that limit permitted activities and require all equipment to be stored indoors; the vote was recorded 4–0–1.
The Greenwood Board of Zoning Appeals approved a use variance to allow appointment-only vehicle upfitting and installation at a unit in the Airport Commerce district, with conditions limiting the scope of permitted work and requiring that equipment be stored inside. The motion passed with the vote recorded as 4–0–1; the board directed corporation counsel to draft written findings and scheduled final action in two weeks.
Applicant counsel described the business as an appointment-only aftermarket upfitter that sells and installs products (truck bed covers, seat covers, truck liners and other add-ons). Counsel emphasized that all work would occur indoors, that exterior storage would not be part of operations, and estimated typical daily customer volume at 4–10 vehicles. The applicant said the operation is not a repair shop but a retail and installation operation and noted existing similar uses nearby.
City planning staff testified that they provided an unfavorable recommendation. Staff cited concerns about the use’s fit in the Airport Commerce district, potential adverse effects on adjacent property values and aesthetics, and the aerial images of other locations that appeared to show outdoor equipment or vehicles. Staff proposed three conditions if the board were to approve the variance.
Board members and counsel discussed enforceability: the board noted that a business synopsis, HOA parking rules, and clear conditions would help police the use and parking. The board’s approval included the condition in the staff report limiting the variance strictly to the upfitting described in the application and additional conditions that equipment and materials be stored inside and that the variance not authorize services beyond the described upfitting.
Corporation counsel will prepare written findings of fact; the board said it will take final action in two weeks.
