Planning commission recommends variance to reduce rear setback at 613 Apostolic Drive

The Columbia County Planning Commission on Sept. 18 recommended approval of a variance to reduce rear building setbacks for an existing ancillary dwelling at 613 Apostolic Drive, allowing a small expansion so the property owners can accommodate aging relatives closer to the principal dwelling. The commission approved the recommendation with conditions intended to prevent future structures from encroaching further on the lot lines. Dylan Douglas, planning staff, told the commission the property is zoned R‑1 and is surrounded by private lots that carry the standard 25‑foot setbacks. “Staff is recommending approval provided those conditions are compliant,” Douglas said. Douglas showed a site survey indicating the ancillary structure sits about 7½ feet from the nearest lot line and said the applicants propose a modest single‑level expansion so intended residents can use all needed facilities on the ground floor without stairs. Planning staff noted standard reviews — stormwater, building standards and fire safety — had found no outstanding issues and that the applicants supplied a neighbor support letter; the neighbor reported no problems with the inherited ancillary structure during roughly seven years at the adjacent property. The staff recommendation included conditions from building standards to ensure the permitted expansion does not move the structure closer to the lot line than it already is, and a planning condition that the exception applies only to the existing structure and the expansion shown on the submitted plans, so other future structures would not be permitted to locate inside the setbacks. Following a brief call for public comment and no substantive objections, the commission voted to recommend approval with the stated conditions. The motion carried. The action is a recommendation to the Columbia County Board of Commissioners; final authority for rezoning and permanent variances rests with the board. Less urgent details: the applicants declined to offer additional testimony after the staff presentation; staff will forward the commission’s recommendation and the draft conditions to county review and to the Board of Commissioners for final action on Oct. 7, 2025.