City of Tuscaloosa Zoning Board of Adjustments Meeting - July 27, 2026

The Tuscaloosa Zoning Board of Adjustments met on July 27, 2026, to consider several variance requests, special exceptions for home occupations, and numerous short-term rental applications. The meeting included approval of previous minutes, two continuances, and decisions on 13 petitions. Key topics included a shed variance, a rear setback/parking variance for a narrow lot, a home occupation for color analysis, and multiple short-term rental renewals and new applications, with some modifications due to neighborhood concerns or past violations.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The board approved the synopsis of the March, April, May, and June meetings by unanimous vote.
• Continuances: Two cases (ZBA 44-26 and ZBA 5926) were continued to a future meeting at the applicant's written request, both approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• ZBA 4526 (Home Occupation): Two neighbors spoke in opposition, citing concerns about preserving the residential character of Hartford Drive and setting a precedent for other businesses. One neighbor spoke in support, praising the applicant as a good neighbor.
• ZBA 4626 (Short-Term Rental – Bonehenge Drive): An attorney representing a neighbor spoke in opposition, noting the property had been advertised for events, a large party occurred, and the business license was allegedly lapsed. Another neighbor opposed due to density and traffic concerns. The applicant's property manager explained the party was by a deceptive renter and that the business license was in process. The board voted to continue the case to verify license status.
• ZBA 5326 (Short-Term Rental – New Watermelon Road): A nearby resident spoke in opposition, describing dangerous road curves, past accidents, and fear of large parties. The board acknowledged her concerns.
• ZBA 5826 (Short-Term Rental – 25th Street East): A neighbor spoke in opposition, recounting severe problems with previous long-term college renters (police calls, property damage, etc.). The board explained that short-term rentals are more regulated and that complaints would be documented for renewal.

Discussion Items

• ZBA 4226 – Calvin Fikes Variance (Shed): The petitioner requested a variance to keep a metal shed closer to the street than the principal structure and allow metal siding on a shed over 120 sq ft. The shed was placed without a permit in 2022. The board discussed the lot's topography limiting alternative locations and the lack of traffic sightline issues due to the cul-de-sac. The board voted to approve the location variance but deny the metal siding variance, requiring the applicant to clad the shed in a different material (e.g., siding or brick) in coordination with city staff.
• ZBA 4326 – Irvin Bishop Jr. Variance (Rear Setback & Parking): The petitioner sought variances to build a single-family home on a 25-foot-wide lot with a 15-foot rear setback (required 20 ft) and pave more than 50% of the front yard for parking. The lot was platted in 1914. The board recognized the hardship of the narrow lot and approved both variances, noting the design respects the property size and contributes to affordable housing.
• ZBA 4526 – Kristen Hargreaves Special Exception (Home Occupation): The applicant proposed a color and style analysis business (House of Color franchise) with up to three clients per day by appointment, parking in the driveway. The board found the operation low-impact and approved the special exception, noting the ample parking and that the applicant was transparent.

Short-Term Rental Cases (All approved with conditions unless noted)

• ZBA 4626 – Chris & Olivia Panksner (Bonehenge Drive): Continued to next meeting after board requested verification of business license status and number of nights rented each year.
• ZBA 4726 – John & Amy Quitt (32 Wood Manor): Approved with staff recommendation of 6 adults, 3 vehicles, 30-night probation, one-year term.
• ZBA 4826 – Dave Donaldson (32 Brookhaven): Approved with 4 adults, 2 vehicles, 30-night probation, one-year term (change of ownership).
• ZBA 4926 – Sterling Hinton Jr. (3013 Fifth Street): Approved with 6 adults, 3 vehicles, 30-night probation, one-year term; business license held until driveway paving completed.
• ZBA 5026 – Drew Topham (2007 Maxi Thomas Way): Approved with 4 adults, 2 vehicles, 30-night probation, one-year term (change of ownership).
• ZBA 5126 & 5226 – Kimberly Roberts (2825 17th St & 1701 29th Ave): Both approved with 4 adults, 2 vehicles, 30-night probation, one-year term.
• ZBA 5326 – Kimberly Roberts (5501 New Watermelon Road): Approved with a modified limit of 6 adults and 3 vehicles (down from requested 8 and 4) due to neighborhood concerns and previous party incidents, 30-night probation, one-year term.
• ZBA 5426 – Kimberly Roberts (2913 Narrow Lane Road): Approved with 4 adults, 2 vehicles, 30-night probation, one-year term.
• ZBA 5526 – Matthew Gibson (1359 Southern Gardens Drive): Approved with 4 adults, 2 vehicles, 30-night probation, one-year term.
• ZBA 5626 – Alistair Wiggins Allen (44 Woodbine Road): Approved with 4 adults, 2 vehicles (reduced from 6 due to one bedroom being locked for the owner's mother), 30-night probation, one-year term.
• ZBA 5726 – Dave Donaldson (15 Cedar Null): Approved with 4 adults, 2 vehicles, 30-night probation, one-year term.
• ZBA 5826 – Darcy Shane Miller (1745 25th Street East): Approved with 4 adults, 2 vehicles, 30-night probation, one-year term. Board emphasized the need for a local emergency contact and compliance with regulations.

Key Outcomes

• Variance Approved (ZBA 4226): Shed location variance approved; metal siding variance denied; applicant must clad shed in alternative material.
• Variance Approved (ZBA 4326): Rear setback and front yard parking variances approved for narrow lot.
• Special Exception Approved (ZBA 4526): Home occupation for color analysis approved.
• Short-Term Rental Continued (ZBA 4626): Continued to next meeting to confirm business license and rental history.
• Short-Term Rentals Approved (12 cases): All approved with conditions: 30-night probationary period, one-year term, and specified occupancy/vehicle limits (staff recommendations or modified by board). For ZBA 5326, the board reduced the limit to 6 adults and 3 vehicles. For ZBA 5626, the limit was reduced to 4 adults and 2 vehicles due to a locked bedroom.