Board of Adjustment 5/22/25

Board of Adjustment Meeting Recap – May 22, 2025

The Montreat Board of Adjustment convened on May 22, 2025, to address zoning-related matters and potential variances within the community. The meeting was initially delayed due to the absence of designated leadership, but Alternate Board Member Arrington Cox stepped in and was sworn in as presiding officer to guide the proceedings. While a relatively brief session, the meeting established essential groundwork for future discussions and decisions impacting local zoning regulations.

The primary focus of the meeting revolved around procedural items and setting up upcoming discussions regarding two variance requests. The Board first approved a revised agenda, removing an unnecessary item related to the swearing-in of new members. They also formally approved the minutes from their previous meeting held on April 24, 2025. A written order pertaining to a previous collaborative decision (Case #6A) was also approved without discussion.

Two significant variance requests were on the agenda, both submitted by property owners at 232 Louisiana Road: VA 2025-01, submitted by April Pander, Carter, William F. and Gale P. Brown, seeking a reduction in the front setback requirement to accommodate stairs for an existing dwelling; and VA 2025-02, also submitted by William F. and Gale P. Brown, concerning the same property. However, due to a lack of quorum (the minimum number of board members required for official business), neither variance request could be heard. Consequently, both requests were continued and will be rescheduled for discussion at the Board’s next meeting on June 26, 2025, to be held at Montreat Town Hall.

There were no public comments or community input received during this meeting, leaving the discussion solely within the purview of the Board members. The atmosphere was described as somewhat informal due to the unexpected leadership transition, but Arrington Cox effectively managed the meeting with assistance from a prepared script. While some initial confusion arose regarding agenda items, those were quickly clarified through discussion among the board members present.

In essence, this meeting served as a procedural kickoff for addressing zoning variances within Montreat. Residents interested in the outcome of either variance request (VA 2025-01 or VA 2025-02) should mark their calendars for the June 26, 2025 meeting at Montreat Town Hall. The decisions made regarding these requests will directly impact property development and adherence to zoning regulations on Louisiana Road, potentially affecting the character of the neighborhood.