09 14 26 Board of Adjustment Meeting

The Town of Fuquay-Varina Board of Adjustment held a meeting on September 14, 2026, to consider a variance request related to the site plan for a new Sprouts grocery store and associated retail spaces. The discussion focused on the necessity of a 70-foot setback variance due to unique site constraints including storm water retention pond expansion, parking requirements, and pedestrian connectivity. The petitioner presented detailed findings supporting the variance, emphasizing that the proposed 23,000 square foot Sprouts store is smaller than typical supermarkets and that the layout optimizes safety and operational efficiency. The board voted unanimously to approve all four findings of fact supporting the variance and subsequently approved the special use permit application with conditions related to landscaping, sound dampening, and architectural treatments to mitigate impacts. The project aims to enhance pedestrian connectivity and economic growth while addressing public safety concerns during loading operations.