Lebanon council approves 1,800-square-foot garage at 186 Castle Drive

The Lebanon Town Council unanimously approved a conditional use permit on June 8 allowing homeowner Corey Lowe to construct an 1,800-square-foot garage behind 186 Castle Drive in an R-1 Single Family District.

The Planning Commission held a public hearing before the council and recommended approval. At the hearing, resident Windell Turner, who said he lives at 167 Castle Drive, testified in support and praised Lowe's improvements to the property, saying Lowe had "increased the curb appeal by 10,000%" and that the planned garage would be matched to the house. No one spoke in opposition during the Planning Commission public hearing.

Planning Commission Chair Judy Lockridge moved to approve the conditional use permit and the motion carried. On June 8, following the commission's recommendation, Council Member M. Elijah Leonard moved that the council approve the permit; Nina J. Fields seconded the motion and the council voted unanimously in favor. The minutes record the votes as: Jackson Aye; Leonard Aye; Kegley Aye; Fields Aye.

Town Manager Andrew R. Shortt noted at the Planning Commission meeting that he would have preferred the applicant to attend to answer specific material questions but that the commission could proceed. The conditional use permit approval allows the garage as proposed; the transcript does not specify building materials, construction timeline or required inspections beyond the permit approval.

The council's action completes local approvals for the conditional use permit; any building permits, inspections or other required approvals will follow standard town and state processes before construction can begin.