by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

At the May 6 meeting, the Monteagle Planning Commission approved the preliminary plat and site plan for a 10-home subdivision on Highway 41 across from the National Guard Armory. The Commission also approved a lot-dimension variance for the project.

Oak View Patio Homes developer Jessie Goodman said his plans called for “patio homes,” by definition single-family dwellings with one or more floors, no common walls with other residences, and a zero-foot setback allowed on one side to maximize the amount of useable outdoor area for a patio or other outdoor-living uses.

Town planner Jonathan Rush said only one lot had a zero-foot setback, and the lots were far larger than required. Granting a variance was needed since, in length, the lots exceeded the 3:1 prescribed ratio. “There is no reason not to grant the variance,” Rush insisted. He pointed out many lots in Monteagle exceeded the 3:1 ration, and the planning commission might want to “investigate” why Monteagle adopted the 3:1 rule.

Goodman said the deep lots were needed to accommodate septic system field lines. Asked by Commissioner Ed Provost why he did not connect to public sewer, Goodman said Monteagle had capacity issue due to inflow and infiltration of ground water into the sewer system and the adjacent landowner was unwilling to grant an easement to connect to public sewer.

Looking to future planning and zoning decisions, Alderman Nate Wilson said commissioners had received several documents prepared by Inc Codes, the planning consultant firm Monteagle had engaged: a copy of Monteagle’s current zoning ordinance document with suggestions made by the consultants and a document listing issues which, in the consultant’s opinion, should not require a vote by the commission. The commission had also received a copy of Monteagle’s 2016 zoning ordinance for comparison. Wilson asked the commission to review the documents and make comments by Monday.

Monteagle Mayor Greg Maloof updated the commission on two projects being undertaken by developers. The commission should expect to receive the Hampton Inn site plan for review at the June meeting. The Dubose developer was engaged in resolving parking issues.