A member of the public told the Greenville City Council the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) is not following council directives after a recent appeal where a restaurant's alcohol permit was suspended for 45 days rather than revoked.

Joe Farmer, who said he lives at 207 Alpine Way, told the council that city staff recommended revocation after police found food was not being served at 11:45 p.m. on the night of the violation. Farmer said the BZA focused on the applicant's financial information during a two-hour hearing and ultimately adopted a 45-day suspension rather than revocation. "Is council going to amend the ordinance to now say, instead of revocation, it's a 45 day suspension?" Farmer asked, arguing the BZA set a precedent and urging council to replace or retrain board members.

Council moved later in the meeting to reappoint Warren Roundsville to the Board of Zoning Appeals and to appoint Sean Scoopmire to a full term ending Oct. 31, 2028. Those nominations were approved by council vote.

Why it matters: appeals and permit enforcement affect downtown businesses and neighborhood quality of life. Farmer said the BZA's approach creates a new precedent and urged council to clarify penalties and expectations.

Discussion, direction and decision

- Discussion points: Farmer criticized the BZA's questioning of a permit applicant's financial details and expressed concern about inconsistent penalties; he urged council action to align the board with council policy.

- Direction: Council members noted the concern; council performed nominations and votes for BZA membership.

- Decision: Reappointment of Warren Roundsville and appointment of Sean Scoopmire to the Board of Zoning Appeals — approved.

Ending

The council approved the BZA nominations; the public criticism remains on the record and may prompt council or staff follow-up on board procedures.