License and Variance Board Meeting - Council Chambers — Minutes
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May 13, 2026 10:00 AM City of Smyrna License and Variance Board Meeting 2800 King Street SE Council Chambers Page 5 of 7 location and extent of the proposed buffer or setback intrusion; (4) Whether alternative designs are possible which require less intrusion or no intrusion; (5) The long-term and construction water-quality impacts of the proposed variance; (6) Whether as a result of an exchange of buffer area the net buffer area is not reduced; and (7) Whether issuance of the variance is at least as protective of natural resources and the environment. After a review of the standards above, Community Development and the Engineering Department believe that the encroachment will not adversely affect surrounding residents nor the existing stream; therefore, staff recommends approval of the requested variance with the following condition: 1. Approval is conditioned upon substantial compliance with the site plan and elevations submitted with the variance application. Chairperson Jones asked which drainage basin Cedar Cliff Drive is situated in. Clara Hodges, Plan Reviewer, stated that it is in the Nickajack Creek Basin. He asked what the depth of the encroachment into the buffer is. Ms. Hodges stated that the depth is about 160 sq. ft. It does not come close to the 50 ft. buffer, and it stays on the outskirts of the 75 ft. buffer. Mr. Jones additionally asked it the extension into the buffer extends beyond the existing pavement. Ms. Hodges answered no, it is being installed over the existing impervious area. Graham Morrison, applicant, understands and agrees to the standard stipulation read into record. A public hearing was called, and no one came forward in favor of or in opposition to this item. The public hearing was closed. Board Member Richard Garland made a motion to approve item V26-044; seconded by Board Member Andrea Worthy. The motion to approve carried with the following vote: Aye: 3 – Chairperson Jones, Vice Chair Garland, Board Member Worthy Nay: 0 – None Recuse: 0 – None H. V26-045 Public Hearing - Variance Request - V26-045 - Allow new construction on lot of record below minimum requirements - Land Lot 452 - 851 McLinden Ave - Rachel Patrick Ward 3 Councilmember - Travis Lindley Board Member Andrea Worthy made a motion to withdraw without prejudice item V26- 045; seconded by Board Member Richard Garland. The motion to withdraw carried with the following vote: Aye: 3 – Chairperson Jones, Vice Chair Garland, Board Member Worthy Nay: 0 – None Recuse: 0 – None I. V26-046 Public Hearing - Variance Request - V26-046 - Reduce the front setback from 35 feet to 32.4 feet - Land Lot 452 - 851 McLinden Ave - Rachel Patrick Ward 3 Councilmember - Travis Lindley