By Lindsey Hutson-Suttles

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – Thursday afternoon was the City of La Follette Regional Planning Commission meeting at city hall.

First up was a commercial site plan review for 317 East Central Avenue. The structure has been transformed for the purpose of an Air BnB. This BnB will be able to accommodate eight guests. That is the maximum, according to the new city ordinance with its five bedroom layout.

Next, a final site plan for two property owners at 100 and 108 Oak Trace Lane; off East Elm Street. A motion was passed to divide the remaining old Cox property between the two giving them additional footage.

Finally, there was a variance request for 1219 Loop Road. The land was bought in May, and connects with a lot they already owned by the buyers. Due to the dilapidated appearance of the structure on the property, they are looking to demolish and rebuild the same structure. However, the existing one is non-conforming with city codes. To amend this, the new owners wanted to shift the house slightly, correcting two of the three code violations.

There was much debate on different ideas on fixing the Loop Road property to where everything would be in code, because board members were hesitant to approve a non-conforming structure. The owner brought to attention a “hardship variance.” Variances can be allowed for properties that are shallow, narrow or steep, which the mentioned property is. The variance, however, was denied by the board. The board did suggest remodeling instead of rebuilding as they could not see how to make it a conforming structure otherwise. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 10/29/2021-6AM)

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