BZA denies use and size variance for proposed 11,200‑sq‑ft accessory building for HVAC/plumbing business

The Wilson County Board of Zoning Appeals denied an application (case 4331) seeking a use and size variance to establish an HVAC and plumbing business at 8385 Murfreesboro Road. The applicant sought permission to construct an 11,200‑square‑foot accessory structure on an agricultural parcel without a principal commercial structure; staff said the proposed business is not an allowed use in the A‑1 zone and county code limits accessory structures without a principal building to 2,000 square feet.

Staff told the board the accessory‑structure limit is explicit in the zoning ordinance and that HVAC/plumbing contractor operations are more appropriately located in C‑2 (general commercial), C‑3 (highway commercial) or I‑1 (light industrial) zones. Staff recommended denial on both the use and the size variance.

A representative identified himself as Colby Smith of 502 Mechanical Solutions and said the company had a 4,000‑square‑foot facility elsewhere and needed additional space. “We currently have 4,000 square feet at our current office… approximately 2,000 of that is warehouse of which you guys allow,” Smith said. He asked the board to consider the storage needs for the business.

Board members noted the magnitude of the requested size variance (roughly five times the accessory‑structure limit) and agreed with staff that the proposed use and building size are inconsistent with the A‑1 zoning district. A board member moved to deny the application based on the staff recommendation; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote.

Staff advised the applicant that commercial uses of the type proposed would be more appropriately pursued in a commercial or industrial zone and that if a variance were ever granted the applicant would still need to submit a site plan to the Wilson County Planning Commission and meet commercial standards.