Neighbors win compromise as BZA amends setback for Baron Lane build to 10 feet

The Knox County Board of Zoning Appeals approved a negotiated compromise on a contested side‑yard setback at 5604 Baron Lane, amending the applicant’s requested 5‑foot side‑yard setback to 10 feet following neighbor concerns.

Applicant Paul Cochran and his representative said a smaller setback would let the proposed house align with adjacent homes and avoid pushing the dwelling far back on a narrow, pie‑shaped lot. Neighbors, including Richard Ford and Jonathan (surname in transcript abbreviated), argued that a 5‑foot setback would be too close and suggested 10 feet would be reasonable. Ford noted neighborhood restrictions and a separate homeowners’ document that calls for a 10‑foot setback, but the board emphasized that the recorded plat and county documents control setbacks, not an HOA covenant.

After public comment and staff discussion of alternatives (rotating the house or choosing a narrower floor plan), a board member moved to amend the request to a 10‑foot side‑yard setback on both sides; the amendment passed by voice vote, and the board approved the 10‑foot setback. The transcript records a motion to amend to 10 feet (“I’ll make a motion to amend this to 10.”) and the board carried the amendment and final approval by voice vote; individual roll call tallies were not specified.