Residents of General Lowry Drive in Nashville are rallying against a recently approved building permit for a new home at 1501 Harding Place, claiming it violates zoning codes for corner lots. During a Board of Zoning Appeals meeting on June 20, 2025, community members, led by local resident Michelle Hodges, argued that the house's front facade is incorrectly oriented towards General Lowry Drive, the longer lot line, instead of Harding Place, which is required by Metro code.

Hodges, representing a collective of neighbors, emphasized that all existing homes on Harding face the street, maintaining a consistent aesthetic and setback. She pointed out that the approved architectural plans do not comply with the zoning regulations, which state that the front of a corner lot must face the shorter lot line. The permit was granted despite a previous rejection due to noncompliance, raising concerns about the decision-making process within the zoning administrator's office.

The discussion highlighted the implications of the house's orientation, with Hodges asserting that allowing the front to face General Lowry would disrupt the neighborhood's character and create a "sore thumb" effect, as the new home would be significantly closer to the street than its neighbors. The community's appeal seeks to revoke the permit, arguing that it undermines established zoning laws and the neighborhood's historical layout.

Zoning administrator Joey Hargis defended the permit approval, stating that the changes made to the plans were sufficient to meet the definition of a front facade. He acknowledged the ambiguity in determining which side of the house should be considered the front but maintained that the decision was made based on the architectural elements presented.

As the board deliberates, the outcome of this appeal could set a precedent for future developments in the area, balancing the need for compliance with zoning regulations against the desires of property owners and developers. The board's decision will be crucial in determining whether the new home will adhere to the established character of the neighborhood or pave the way for more lenient interpretations of zoning codes.