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Planning commission approves retaining‑wall variance and site plan for Baptist Oxford medical expansion
Summary
The Oxford Planning Commission approved a variance allowing a roughly 7 ft 3 in retaining wall and a special exception for mechanical screening for a new 12,000 sq ft clinic and 47,000 sq ft medical office on the Baptist hospital campus, and separately approved the related site plan with staff conditions.
The Oxford Planning Commission voted to approve two related requests from Baptist Memorial Healthcare for property on Belk Boulevard: a variance to exceed retaining‑wall height limits and a special exception to permit screening walls for rooftop mechanical equipment, and it later approved the associated site plan for a 12,000‑square‑foot clinic and a 47,000‑square‑foot medical office building.
Planning staff told the commission the applicant needs a taller retaining wall and relief from the required 6‑ft evergreen screening because of on‑site topography, existing roads and an ADA requirement that accessible entrances meet a 2% maximum slope. “The applicant seeks permission to construct this retaining wall of about 7 feet 3 inches, which surpasses the 4 foot maximum,” staff said, arguing strict adherence to the ordinance would create undue hardship and impede ADA compliance. Staff recommended approval of both the variance and the special exception with conditions listed in the staff report.
During questioning, commissioners asked about drainage and whether planting in a narrow strip in front of the wall could interfere with the wall or drainage; the project’s landscape representative noted the chosen planting (William Penn compact holly) is narrow and should not damage the structure. Earthwork, access, parking and stormwater comments were described as addressed in the site‑plan review. The commission approved the variance and special exception and then approved the site plan with the staff’s stated conditions.
