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BZA grants conditioned variance for parking pad at 16 Tulane Road; restricted to single‑car footprint and 5‑ft setback
Summary
The board approved a variance allowing a parking pad in front of the structure at 16 Tulane Road but conditioned the approval to limit the pad footprint and require a five‑foot setback from the adjacent property line.
The Athens Board of Zoning Appeals on May 13 approved a variance allowing a parking pad in front of the structure at 16 Tulane Road, but the board attached conditions limiting the pad’s size and placement to reduce impact on a neighboring property.
Zoning Administrator David Riggs told the board the code (ACC 23.08.01.a) generally prohibits parking between the right‑of‑way and the front of a structure unless the parking is in front of an attached garage, carport, or designated parking area. The applicant requested the variance after removing a large front‑yard tree and said the existing site configuration and narrow, shared driveway made a turnaround difficult and occasionally hazardous.
The applicant said the proposed pad would be concrete and primarily used to allow safe turnaround maneuvers into the carport rather than to create a long‑term parking lot. Opponents, including nearby residents Alan Goldsberry and Carolyn Gosnell, said concerns included potential loss of green space, proximity to the neighboring dwelling at 22 Lane, and construction access for heavy equipment.
After deliberation the board approved the variance with conditions intended to limit visual and privacy impacts: the approved footprint was limited to 20 feet deep by 14 feet wide (280 square feet) and the pad must be set back five feet from the property line abutting 22 Lane. The board discussion noted the condition was intended to allow a functional single‑car turnaround while minimizing the chance the pad would be used to store multiple vehicles immediately adjacent to the neighbor’s windows.
Chair Rob Delich and zoning staff clarified that the city regards a paved pad as parking if a vehicle is routinely located there; the board can attach conditions controlling size and setback under ACC 23.07.03(b) when it authorizes variances. The motion carried on a voice vote; the minutes record the variance as approved with the stated dimensional condition.
The zoning office said the pad must still conform to impervious‑surface limits on the lot and that a construction plan, surface details and drainage/gutter management must be submitted for administrative review.
