Athens board approves variance to keep 3-foot setback at 34 Elmwood Place

The Athens Board of Zoning Appeals voted 4-0 to approve a variance allowing a 3-foot side setback for a garage at 34 Elmwood Place, where the Athens City Code requires a 5-foot side setback. The board made the decision after hearing from the property owner and considering written support from an adjacent neighbor.

The approval came at a regularly scheduled meeting after the board considered the standards in the Athens City Code for granting variances, including whether exceptional circumstances or undue hardship exist and whether the variance would cause detriment to nearby properties. Rob Delich, chair of the Athens Board of Zoning Appeals, led the hearing and closed public testimony before the vote.

The appellant told the board the property currently has a garage with a 3-foot…