Board narrowly approves short‑term rental and parking variances for 40 And A Half Morris Avenue

The Athens Board of Zoning Appeals on April 8 voted first to grant a variance allowing 0 on‑site parking where two on‑site spaces are required and then, by a 3–2 vote, granted a separate variance to permit a non‑owner‑occupied short‑term rental at 40 And A Half Morris Avenue.

Zoning Administrator David Riggs told the board the request comprised two variance items: relief from ACC 23.04.01(B)(6) to allow a non‑owner‑occupied short‑term rental in an R‑1 zone, and relief from ACC 23.08.01(D) to allow 0 on‑site parking where two spaces are required. Riggs explained the property is unusual: two adjacent parcels are separately platted and separately addressed but remain under common ownership and share utilities; an alley that once provided rear access was vacated decades ago, and physical access to the rear parcel is now…