Jonesboro Board of Zoning Adjustments Meeting - August 19, 2025

The Board of Zoning Adjustments met on August 19, 2025, at 1:30 PM at the Municipal Center. The board considered two variance requests: a fence height variance (VR-25-22) and a sidewalk requirement waiver (VR-25-23). Both were approved, one unanimously and one by a 3-1 vote.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes from the July 15, 2025 meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• VR-25-22: Applicant Sherry Carter and contractor Wayne Wesley Parker testified that the existing 8-foot fence had been in place for 18 years and was being replaced with identical materials. They explained that the property is on a slope, and the taller fence is necessary for privacy to prevent neighboring houses from looking into the backyard.
• VR-25-23: Applicant Charles Fletcher and his son-in-law Brad Montgomery testified that the property is on North Culberhouse, where no sidewalks exist for miles. They requested a complete waiver of the sidewalk requirement, citing the rural nature, the presence of a tree line that would need to be removed, and the lack of connectivity.

Discussion Items

• VR-25-22 (Fence Height Variance): The board discussed that the fence was replacing an existing 8-foot fence that had been grandfathered. The contractor noted that the property is surrounded by family-owned land. No objections were raised. A motion to grant the variance was made and seconded.
• VR-25-23 (Sidewalk Waiver): The board debated whether it had the authority to waive the sidewalk fee in lieu. Staff clarified that the request came to BZA because the applicant wanted a complete waiver, not a fee in lieu. Board members noted that the MAPC (Metropolitan Area Planning Commission) had never waived a sidewalk fee since the ordinance took effect in 2017. The subdivision ordinance was discussed because the lot split created three lots, triggering sidewalk requirements. Brad Montgomery argued that the property had not been subdivided before. Board members expressed concern about forcing a sidewalk that would go nowhere and considered the unique rural circumstances. The board also discussed the estimated cost of the sidewalk ($16,000–$20,000) and the lack of future development in the area.

Key Outcomes

• VR-25-22: Motion to grant the variance passed unanimously. (All board members present voted in favor.)
• VR-25-23: Motion to grant the variance passed 3-1. Board members Miles, Cables, and Gilmore voted yes; Bailey voted no. (One board member, House, did not vote or was not called during the roll call.)
• The meeting was adjourned.