Hearings Board

ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY HEARINGS BOARD Summary Minutes December 13, 2023 - 3:00 P.M. 120 W. Dougherty Street Members Present: Chris Gazlay, Julianne Geddis, Chris Joiner, Tamaine Jordan, Mike Lord, Joseph Powell, Johnelle Simpson Staff Present: Bruce Lonnee, John Rogeberg, Joanne DeJausserand, Amber Eskew(Planning), Austin Jackson (ACC Attorney ) GENERAL BUSINESS 1. Determination of quorum – all members present 2. Introduction of staff reports and all other documents submitted to the Hearings Board at this meeting into the official record. Motion to approve by J. Simpson, seconded by C. Gazlay. Motion passed unanimously. 3. Adoption of the minutes of the October 11, 2023, meeting Motion to approve by J. Geddis, seconded by T. Jordan with correction to spelling of T. Jordan’s name and a note that the November meeting was cancelled. Motion passed unanimously. NEW BUSINESS WITHDRAWN 1. 120 Minor Street VAR-2023-10-1976 Petitioner: Solly Mannakulathil Zoning: C-G (Commercial-General) Tax ID: 122D1 C011 Request: A. Variance to allow a structure within 50 feet of the property line for a community garden (Section 9-15-23-D.1). 2. 105 Magnolia Street and 2041 West Broad Street VAR-2023-11-2141 & VAR-2023-11-2142 Petitioner: James A. and Rosa M Nah Pech Tucker Agent: Jimmy Walker Zoning: C-G (Commercial-General) Tax ID: 122C2 F002 & 122C2 F001 Request: A. Variance to waive the parking lot buffer requirementa (both parcels) B. Variance to reduce the minimum floor area ratio for a property abutting a Level One corridor. C. Variance to waive the requirement for public sidewalk along the Honeysuckle Ln right-of-way.  J. Rogeberg presented the staff report with a recommendation to deny all requests. In Favor: Max Pontrelli, Stanton Porter, James Tucker Against: none Motion made by J. Powell to deny request to reduce the parking lot buffer from 10’ to 5’ for 2041 W. Broad St. Seconded by J. Geddis. Motion passed unanimously. Motion made by J. Powell to deny request to waive the requirement for public sidewalk along street frontage for 2041 W. Broad St. Seconded by T. Jordan. Motion passed unanimously. Motion made by J. Simpson to deny request to reduce minimum FAR for a property abutting a Level II Corridor for 2041 W. Broad St. Seconded by J. Geddis. Motion passed 5- 2 (C.Gazlay and J. Powell dissenting) Motion made by J. Powell to deny request to reduce the parking lot buffer from 10’ to 5’ for 105 Magnolia St. Seconded by J. Simpson. Motion passed 6-1 (T. Jordan dissenting) 3. 260 Morton Avenue VAR-2023-11-2143 Petitioner: Christopher and Rebecca Stone Zoning: RS-15 (Single-Family Residential) Tax ID: 173A4 I003A Request: A. Variance to reduce the side yard building setback from 8’ to 6’. J. DeJausserand presented the staff report with a recommendation to deny the request. In favor: Rebecca Stone, Chris Stone Against: Winston White Motion by C. Gazlay to deny request to reduce the side yard setback from 8’ to 6’. Motion passed unanimously. 4. 169 Virginia Avenue VAR-2023-11-2140 Petitioner: Didi Dunphy Agent: Lee Smith Zoning: RS-8 (Single-Family Residential) Tax ID: 163C3 C010 Request: A. Variance to increase maximum lot coverage from 45% to 51%. A. Eskew presented the staff report with a recommendation to deny the request. In favor: Lee Smith, Sam Stabler Against: none  Motion made by C. Gazlay to approve request to increase maximum lot coverage from 45% to 51%. Motion passed 6-1 (T. Jordan dissenting) OTHER BUSINESS 1. Planning Director's Report 2. Next scheduled meeting on January 10, 2024 Meeting adjourned 4:41 NOTICE: A qualified interpreter for the hearing impaired is available upon request at least ten (10) days in advance of this meeting. Please call (706) 613-3515, [TDD (706) 613-3115] to request an interpreter or for more information.