Planning commission backs variance to reduce rear setback for accessory dwelling at 613 Apostolic Drive

The Columbia County Planning Commission on Sept. 18 recommended approval, with conditions, of a variance to reduce rear-yard setbacks for an existing ancillary dwelling at 613 Apostolic Drive. The recommendation will be forwarded to the Columbia County Board of Commissioners for final action on Oct. 7, 2025. Dylan, planning staff, told commissioners the property is zoned R‑1 and the ancillary structure encroaches on the 25‑foot lot‑line setback. "The ancillary dwelling is about, 7 and a half feet, a little bit less than that from the nearest, neighboring lot line," Dylan said. Staff recommended approval provided conditions limiting future expansions and ensuring building and fire standards were met. The applicants told the commission the unit is intended to house the aging parents of the property owners so they can remain independent while close to family. Commissioners asked no substantive questions and approved the staff recommendation. The motion recorded in the minutes states: "I recommend to approve with conditions of file VA250904 variance to reduce rear building setbacks for an existing structure and expansion at 613 Apostolic Drive." That motion was seconded and carried. The approval includes conditions from building standards and a county condition clarifying that the exception applies only to the existing structure and its proposed expansion, and not to future structures on the lot. The owner/applicant (listed in the hearing request as Kenneth or Del Reese Rollerson) did not provide further public testimony at the hearing. The commission recorded no roll‑call vote tally in the transcript; the chair announced the motion carried. The recommendation with conditions will be sent to the Board of Commissioners for final decision.