Commission denies rezoning request at 519 Noel Lane, citing proximity to homes

The Smyrna Municipal Planning Commission on Aug. 6 denied a rezoning request for 519 Noel Lane after commissioners concluded the proposal would intrude on nearby residential areas.

Staff said the request to change zoning from R‑3 to P&O2 would restrict uses to professional and office functions rather than allowing the retail and restaurant uses permitted in a C‑4 district. Staff noted the land‑use plan supports medium‑density residential at the location and that the existing house on the lot faces Noel Lane, orienting the parcel toward the subdivision. Neighbors had expressed concerns about noise, parking and potential nonresidential uses. "C‑4 would allow retail… a restaurant… those are probably the two biggest uses," staff said when contrasting the districts.

Commissioners focused on how the house’s orientation would pull the parcel into the subdivision and reduce the commercial buffer. One commissioner moved to deny the request "due to the proximity of the residential and that this subdivision," and another seconded; the motion carried by voice vote. The denial returns the parcel to its existing residential zoning, and staff noted enforcement paths if disallowed uses are later attempted.

What happens next: the applicant may revise and resubmit a different zoning request or pursue uses consistent with the current R‑3 designation.