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Hickory Station West site plan deferred after staff flags off-site buffer and parking noncompliance
Summary
Commissioners declined to approve the Hickory Station West site plan after staff identified a split 20-foot landscape buffer and parking located less than the required 10 feet from the front lot line; the applicant was advised to pursue BOZA variances or revise the plan.
The planning commission on July 16 deferred action on the site plan for Hickory Station West (261 West Main Street) after staff identified two code compliance problems: a 20-foot Type D landscape buffer that falls partially off-site and parking that sits closer than the 10-foot setback required from the front lot line.
Planning staff told the commission the buffer must be located entirely on the subject property and that the commission does not have authority to grant a waiver for the buffer or the parking-location requirement. Staff advised the applicant that the appropriate path is to consult with staff, apply to the Board of Zoning Appeals (BOZA) for variances, and then return to planning commission if variances are granted.
Commissioners discussed possible solutions, including rotating the building or changing the layout; staff recommended the applicant consider deferral to pursue BOZA relief. The applicant asked to defer and work with staff, and the commission agreed to move the item to the back of the agenda to allow staff follow-up.
Because the commission found the drawn plan noncompliant under current code provisions, no approval was granted and the applicant will pursue either design revisions or BOZA variances before returning to the commission.
