TO: Mayor and Members of City Council
THRU: Kelly Strickland - Assistant City Manager
Dr. Gerald Newton, AICP - Development Services Director
FROM: Will Deaton, AICP, CFM, CZO - Planning & Zoning Manger
Craig Harmon, CZO - Senior Planner
DATE: March 24, 2025
RE:
Title
SUP25-01 - Order of Approval, Findings of Fact: Special Use Permit (SUP) to allow for the reduction in the separation requirement between Automotive Wrecker Services and any residential district, school, or childcare center, located at 3424 Cumberland Rd (REID # 0426015026000) and being the property, Kodjo Sam Kouassi, Sam’s Towing.
end
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S):
Council District(s)
5 - Greene
b
Relationship To Strategic Plan:
Goal III: City Investment in Today and Tomorrow
Objective 3.2: To manage the City’s future growth and strategic land use
Executive Summary:
Council is asked to approve the Order of Approval - Findings of Fact for SUP 25-01.
City Council held an Evidentiary hearing on February 24, 2025, and approved the application.
Background:
Owner: Kodjo Sam Kouassi, Sam’s Towing.
Applicant: Kodjo Sam Kouassi, Sam’s Towing
Requested Action: SUP - Reduction in separation between uses.
Property Address: 3424 Cumberland Rd
Council District: 5 - Greene
Status of Property: HI - Heavy Industrial
Size: Approximately 0.80 acres of 2.33 acres
Adjoining Land Use & Zoning:
• North - SF-10: Single-family Detached
• South - R6A: Single-family Detached - Across Cumberland Rd
• West - HI: Auto Body Repair
• East - R6A, CC & C3: Single-family Detached, & Wrecker Service
Letters Mailed: 211
Annual Average Daily Traffic: Cumberland Road - 3,500
Land Use Plans:
Following the adoption of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan: Future Land Use Map & Plan on May 26, 2020, all properties within the city limits, as well as those in the Municipal Influence Area, are subject to its guidelines. The Plan recommends that this part of the city be developed as Medium Density Residential, which primarily includes single-family neighborhoods on small lots, with duplexes and townhomes interspersed. Low-rise apartments are also permissible.
Additional Reviews:
A Technical Review Committee examination was conducted as part of the Special Use Permit process. Standard development comments were provided and are attached.
Issues/Analysis:
Surrounding Area:
The surrounding area primarily consists of single-family residences, with some more intense commercial uses. To the west of the subject property is a mixed-use site that includes auto storage, tire sales, and an auto mechanic. The subject property extends 1,163.6 feet in depth, with its rear boundary adjoining the Pine Acres single-family residential subdivision. Adjacent to the mixed-use auto property, at the corner of Cumberland Road and Ladyslipper Drive, is B’s All About Children Childcare Center. Directly across from the childcare center are an antique thrift store and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Cumberland County.
The property at 3404 Cumberland Road, also owned by Mr. Kouassi, was the subject of a rezoning request in early 2022. This property serves as the primary location for Sam’s Towing. It was rezoned to Community Commercial (CC) to align with existing County zoning, support strategic development goals, and ensure compatibility with surrounding land uses as part of the annexation process.
Special Use Permit Request:
The owner is requesting a reduction in the 250-foot separation standards between an automotive wrecker service and residentially zoned property. The applicant’s request would reduce the separation down to approximately 10 feet.
Budget Impact:
This action should result in no increase in City Services.
Options:
1. City Council moves to approve the Order of Approval of a SUP as presented by staff.
2. City Council moves to approve the Order of Approval of a SUP with the following specific changes.
Recommended Action:
Staff recommends that Council moves to approve the Order of Approval of a SUP as presented by staff.
Attachments:
1. SUP25-01 Findings of Fact
2. Application
3. Aerial Map
4. Zoning Map
5. Land Use Plan Map
6. Subject Properties
7. Surrounding Properties
8. Storage Area Map
9. TRC Comments
10. PowerPoint