Board Denies Community Bank Variance Request for C-3 Property

The Florence Mayor and Board voted to deny Community Bank's request for a variance from Section 404(A) of the storm water/rain water regulation (Chapter 23, Appendix A; Ordinance No. 272) for property in a C-3 zoning district.

Alderman Brian Grantham moved to deny the variance; Alderman John Banks seconded the motion. The motion "TO DENY THE REQUEST OF COMMUNITY BANK FOR A VARIANCE FROM SECTION 404 (A) OF THE STORM WATER/RAIN WATER REGULATION FOR PROPOSED DEVELOPMENTS CHAPTER 23 APPENDIX A BUILDING ORDINANCES, ORDINANCE NO 272 IN C-3 ZONING DISTRICT" carried by a unanimous vote. The motion also adopted the written findings and conclusions submitted by Community Development Director Joel Sims from the public hearing held March 17, 2026.

At the public hearing, Tim Pickett of Community Bank presented the variance request; City Engineer Tim Parker and City Attorney Bobby Lingold offered professional opinions, and Joel Sims presented facts and findings in writing for the board to consider. After receiving those presentations and hearing no further public comment, Mayor Trey Gunn closed the hearing and returned to regular session, after which the board voted to deny the variance.

The denial means Community Bank's requested relief from the cited storm-water provision was not granted; the board incorporated Director Sims' written findings into its motion. The record does not specify any conditions attached to the denial or any immediate appeal timeline in the minutes.