Greenville Board of Adjustment Meeting

The Greenville Board of Adjustment met on April 23, 2026, at 6:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The board unanimously approved two special use permits: one for a major repair facility (collision and paint shop) at 3830 S. Memorial Drive, and one for Uptown Brewing Company to add mixed beverage service at its existing microbrewery at 418 Evans Street. Both decisions followed public hearings, staff recommendations, and quasi-judicial procedures.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Agenda: Approved unanimously by voice vote.
• Approval of Minutes from March 26, 2026: Approved unanimously by voice vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Case 1 – Goess Holdings, LLC (Major Repair Facility): No members of the public spoke for or against the application. The only witness was the applicant’s representative, Michael Overton (Overty Group), who described a high-quality branded body repair shop.
• Case 2 – Wrenbev, Inc. d/b/a Uptown Brewing Company (Microbrewery Mixed Beverage Permit): No public speakers appeared. The applicant’s representative, Drew Chester (General Manager), stated the business would add a limited number of house cocktails while keeping craft beer as its core focus, and that this change aligns with industry trends.

Discussion Items

Public Hearing: Special Use Permit – Goess Holdings, LLC (Major Repair Facility)

• Staff Report: Planning staff (Mr. Jones) presented that the site at 3830 S. Memorial Drive is zoned Heavy Commercial, about 1.5 acres with 185 feet of frontage. The proposed use (collision repair and auto painting) qualifies as a major repair facility under Section 9-4-313. Surrounding properties (vacant, hotel, auto dealership) are also Heavy Commercial; the future land use map designates the area as Commercial, so the use is compatible. Staff recommended approval with conditions: site plan, stormwater/erosion control approval prior to building permit; vehicles under repair must be screened from adjoining properties and street; and the property must not become a junkyard. All state building and fire codes must be met.
• Applicant Testimony: Michael Overton presented the proposal for a “Toyota-branded body repair shop,” emphasizing quality and compatibility with the area.
• Board Discussion: No questions or discussion from board members. Board member noted he works for Gravel Toyota, owned by Goess, but stated no conflict; the attorney confirmed he could participate.
• Findings and Vote: The board read the expediency criteria (conditions & specifications, comprehensive plan, health & safety, detriment to public welfare, existing use detrimental, injury to properties/nuisance/hazard) and approved the findings of fact and the petition with staff conditions by unanimous voice vote.

Public Hearing: Special Use Permit – Wrenbev, Inc. d/b/a Uptown Brewing Company (Microbrewery Mixed Beverage Permit)

• Background: City Council previously adopted a text amendment allowing microbreweries to serve mixed beverages. Existing microbreweries must obtain a special use permit to offer mixed beverages. This application follows the same process as Pitt Street Brewing’s January permit.
• Staff Report: Mr. Jones explained that Uptown Brewing is located at 418 Evans Street (Downtown Commercial zoning, Uptown Core on the future land use map). The property is across from the Hilton Garden Hotel; adjacent uses include D’s Top Shop and the State Theater. Notice was posted and mailed on April 8; publication in the Daily Reflector on April 11 and 18. Staff noted the annual alcohol review process will continue under the board’s purview. Staff recommended approval upon proper findings.
• Applicant Testimony: Drew Chester confirmed the business seeks to add mixed beverage service (liquor) to its existing menu of craft beer, wine, cider, and seltzer. He stated the core focus remains craft beer and that only a few simple cocktails would be offered.
• Board Discussion: No board questions or discussion.
• Findings and Vote: The board read the same expediency criteria and approved findings of fact and the petition with staff conditions by unanimous voice vote.

Key Outcomes

• Goess Holdings, LLC – Special Use Permit Approved (unanimous): The board found that the requested major repair facility can meet all development standards. The applicant must satisfy staff conditions (screening, site plan, code compliance) before operation.
• Wrenbev, Inc. (Uptown Brewing Company) – Special Use Permit Approved (unanimous): The board approved the permit allowing mixed beverage service at the existing microbrewery. The permit remains subject to annual review per the city’s alcohol establishment oversight process.
• Both applicants were instructed to obtain the signed permit documents from the city before proceeding.