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Board of Adjustment approves variance for larger detached garage at 913 N Kent Street
Summary
On June 10, 2026 the Knoxville Board of Adjustment approved a variance allowing a homeowner to build an 813-square-foot detached garage with a covered porch at 913 N Kent Street that increases accessory-structure lot coverage above the 10% limit; approval was 3-1 with one member absent and included a condition requiring an updated site plan before a building permit is issued.
The Knoxville Board of Adjustment on June 10 approved a variance permitting construction of an 813-square-foot detached garage with a covered side porch at 913 N Kent Street, a decision that increases accessory-structure lot coverage above the 10% limit in Zoning Code Section 9-4-4(D). The motion passed on a 3-1 roll call vote (Gordon, Hicks and Jones in favor; Tupper opposed; Wheelock absent).
Planning & Zoning Administrator Nathan Parch summarized the application from applicant Katherine Hilliard, saying the proposed detached structure would include a two-car garage plus a covered porch created by a large roof overhang on the north side. Parch recorded the square-footage math as 813 square feet for the proposed building and an existing 80-square-foot shed on the property, for a combined 896 square feet, which he said equals 12.4% of the lot area — 176 square feet over the 10% accessory-structure limit. Parch noted that the garage-with-porch contributes about 11.3% and the shed contributes about 1.1% of lot coverage.
An adjacent neighbor, Jennifer Parks of 909 N Kent Street, asked how the new structure would affect topography, trees and drainage and how property lines would be located. According to the meeting record, Parch said, “locating the south side property line would be the responsibility of Ms. Hilliard and her contractor — Fine Line Construction,” and added that any changes to the proposed building setbacks must be approved by staff.
Board member Jerry Jones moved to approve the variance with a condition that the applicant provide an updated site plan to staff prior to issuance of a building permit; Tara Gordon seconded. The motion passed on roll call with Gordon, Chair Linda Hicks and Jones voting yes and Deborah Tupper voting no. The meeting record shows two signed property-owner notices in support of the variance.
The board also handled routine business at the start of the meeting: it approved the meeting agenda and the minutes of the April 15, 2026 meeting by voice vote, and it reappointed Linda Hicks as Chair and appointed Geoff Wheelock as Vice Chair for calendar year 2026. The meeting was called to order at 5:45 p.m. and adjourned at 6:45 p.m.
