NATCHEZ &8212; The zoning board of adjustments on Thursday granted a height variance for a Hampton Inn and Suites proposed for Canal and Simmons streets.

The variance, which the board granted with little comment, is needed because the hotel Dr. Shilesh Vora of El Dorado, Ark., is proposing would stand 54 feet tall. The height limit in the B-2 business zone is 35 feet.

The four-story hotel will have 95 rooms.

Last month, the Natchez Planning Commission granted preliminary site plan approval for the hotel, which would be located across from the Natchez Visitor Reception Center.

That approval was given on the condition a final site plan with more details of the development be submitted later to the planning commission for its approval.

However, the hotel won&8217;t need historic preservation commission approval because the site is more than 300 feet away from the nearest historic landmark.

Vora&8217;s wouldn&8217;t be Natchez&8217;s only new hotel. City Attorney Walter Brown has said the city will enter into an option agreement March 7 with New Orleans-based developer Thomas Bauer for a hotel across from the convention center.

Vora, Natchez native Glenn Simmons of Atlanta and Michigan-based ProVisions also submitted hotel proposals for that site.

Also during Thursday&8217;s meeting, the board approved applications to:

4Place a trailer from the Federal Emergency Management Agency next to an existing house on 70 Marin Ave.

4Operate a five-unit bed and breakfast with commercial meeting privileges at The Burn at 712 N. Union St.

4Operate a four-unit B&B without meeting privileges at 709 N. Union Street.