Hearings Board

ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY HEARINGS BOARD SUMMARY MINUTES DECEMBER 9, 2020 3:00 P.M. 120 W. DOUGHERTY ST MEMBERS PRESENT: Chris Gazlay, M. Tamaine Jordan, Michael Lord, Richard Martin, Joseph Powell, Carrie Pucko MEMBERS ABSENT: Jonathan Biron STAFF PRESENT: Gavin Hassemer, Bruce Lonnee, Amber Eskew, Robin Schultze (Planning); Michael Petty (Attorney’s Office) GENERAL BUSINESS: Mike Lord called the meeting to order at 3:08 p.m. 1. Introduction of staff reports and all other documents submitted to the Hearings Board at the meeting into the official record. M. Tamaine Jordan moved to introduce all reports and documents into the official record. Carrie Pucko seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. 2. Approval of the November 11, 2020 Hearings Board minutes. Joseph Powell made a motion for approval; Richard Martin seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. OLD BUSINESS 1. 131 E. Broad Street VAR-2020-10-2931 Petitioner: Walco Investments LP Agent: James Warnes Zoning: C-D (DHD) (PD); H (Commercial-Downtown, ((Downtown Historic District, Downtown Design Area)) ((Planned Development)); Historic District Overlay) Tax ID: 171A7 J001 Request: A. Variance to the definition (sign placement) of a wall sign. Mr. Hassemer presented the staff report with a recommendation for denial. FOR: James Warnes AGAINST: None MOTION #1: Richard Martin made a motion to approve the variance; M. Tamaine Jordan seconded the motion, which passed 5:1 (Against: Gazlay). NEW BUSINESS 1. 419 Boulevard VAR-2020-11-3239 Petitioner: Melissa Cahnmann-Taylor Agent: Lori Bork Newcomer for arcollab Zoning: RS-15, H (Single-Family Residential; Historic District Overlay)  Tax ID: 114D4 A006 Request: A. Variance to decrease the minimum side yard setback. Mr. Hassemer presented the staff report with a recommendation for approval. FOR: Lori Bork Newcomer AGAINST: None MOTION #1: Joseph Powell made a motion to approve the variance; Richard Martin seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. 2. 3668 Atlanta Highway VAR-2020-11-3241 Petitioner: M&F Athens II, LLC Agent: QuikTrip Corporation Zoning: C-G (Commercial-General) Tax ID: 073 018 Request: A. Variance to allow for an alternative design to front yard parking. Mr. Hassemer presented the staff report with a recommendation for approval. FOR: Michael Burk AGAINST: None MOTION #1: Carrie Pucko made a motion to approve the variance; Joseph Powell seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. 3. 1508 U.S. Highway 29 N. VAR-2020-11-3238 Petitioner: Harbin Lumber Company, Inc. Agent: Ed Lane for Smith Planning Group Zoning: C-R (Commercial-Rural) Tax ID: 211 032H Request: A. Variance to eliminate the requirement for public sidewalk adjacent to a street. Mr. Hassemer presented the staff report with a recommendation for approval with condition. FOR: Ed Lane AGAINST: None MOTION #1: Chris Gazlay made a motion to approve the variance with the condition that the variance shall expire upon change of use for the property. Richard Martin seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. OTHER BUSINESS 1. Planning Director's Report 2. Next scheduled meeting on January 13, 2021 Meeting was adjourned at 4:15 p.m.