Greenville Board of Adjustment Meeting – February 23, 2017

The Greenville Board of Adjustment met on February 23, 2017, at 11:15 AM (with the evening session starting at approximately 6:00 PM) to consider four agenda items including a special use permit renewal for a bed and breakfast, an amendment to a flea market special use permit, a new home occupation permit for a food truck commissary, and the annual review of private clubs and dining establishments. The meeting was chaired by Vice Chairman Bill Johnson due to the chairman's absence. Votes were taken on three items; one item was continued to the next regular meeting.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the last meeting were approved with one opposed (Board member Frank opposed, though the minutes motion carried).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Bed and Breakfast Renewal (1105 East Fifth Street): Jackie James, a neighboring business owner, spoke in favor, stating the applicant was an excellent neighbor (only complaint was the smell of bacon cooking). No opposition was heard.
• Flea Market Amendment (1114 North Green Street): The applicant, Debbie James, and her husband Jackie James spoke in favor of removing the fencing condition. They argued that the fence would be costly ($10,000–$12,000), hinder elderly and handicapped vendors, and that wheel stops could serve as an alternative barrier. Two neighbors spoke in favor, noting the positive community impact. No opposition was heard from the public.
• Home Occupation Food Truck Commissary (520 Greenfield Boulevard): Two neighbors (Mr. Gibbs and Mr. Harkinson) spoke in favor, describing the applicants as excellent neighbors and supporting the request. No opposition was heard.

Discussion Items

• Bed and Breakfast Renewal (Chris Walkers): Staff reported the property had been operating since 2010, with renewals every three years. The property met all criteria. The board discussed no details and voted unanimously to approve.
• Flea Market Amendment (Debbie and Jackie James): The applicants sought to eliminate the condition requiring a perimeter fence around outdoor vendor stalls (originally approved in December 2016 with fencing). Staff recommended denial, citing health and safety concerns (visibility, pedestrian safety) and the need for a barrier. The applicants proposed wheel stops as a cheaper alternative. The board discussed temporary fencing options and a potential 60-day timeline for a permanent solution. Ultimately, the board voted to continue the matter to the March meeting to allow time for the applicant and staff to explore alternatives.
• Home Occupation for Food Truck Commissary (Rosalind Williams): The applicant requested a special use permit to use a portion of her home as a prep kitchen for a food truck. The health department inspects the truck but not the home. Staff had no objection. The board voted unanimously to approve.
• Annual Review of Private Clubs and Dining Establishments: Captain Lewis presented the 2016 review. No significant issues were found with any of the 11 private clubs or 7 dining/entertainment establishments holding special use permits. No board action was required.

Key Outcomes

• Approval of Bed and Breakfast Renewal: Motion to approve carried unanimously (all in favor, none opposed). The permit was renewed for another three years.
• Continuance of Flea Market Amendment: Motion to continue to the March regular meeting carried (all in favor, none opposed). The existing stay remains in effect, allowing the flea market to operate as currently until the next hearing.
• Approval of Home Occupation for Food Truck Commissary: Motion to approve carried unanimously (all in favor, none opposed).
• Withdrawal of Item Four: A request by Easter Sales UCP was formally withdrawn and approved by the board.
• No Action on Annual Review: The board received the report with no further discussion or vote required.

Key decisions: The board maintained the fencing condition for the flea market but granted a continuance for further discussion; approved two other applications without opposition.