Commission grants setback variances and approves limited extension of conditional residential use for Miller Road/Colonial Road properties

The Columbia County Planning and Zoning Commission on July 17 recommended a revised time extension for conditional single‑family residential occupancy on multiple properties in a redevelopment area and approved two variances concerning building setbacks.

Change of conditions/time extension: Will, planning staff, described a previously approved rezoning that allowed single‑family residential units to remain temporarily on properties including 303–311 South Miller Road and 102 Colonial Road. The original Board of Commissioners approval included a one‑year time limit on the conditional use; the applicant sought a three‑year extension (36 months) citing slower market conditions. The applicant team (represented in the record by Saj Lakani of Access Real Estate) requested additional time to acquire adjacent parcels and proceed with commercial redevelopment.

Staff said they had no initial objection to a longer period but explained the Board of Commissioners had approved one year originally. A commissioner offered a compromise motion requiring an additional 12 months from the Board’s approval; under the motion the Board would be directed to initiate rezoning back to R‑2 for any parcels where commercial development had not commenced at the end of that period. The commission voted 4‑0 to recommend the revised conditions (12‑month extension and automatic rezoning initiation if development not commenced).

Front setback variance at 307 South Beller Road: The commission considered a variance to reduce the front building setback for an existing structure at 307 South Beller Road, part of the same rezoning area. Staff explained the existing house sits well within the current 125‑foot setback common along the corridor because the roadway was smaller when the house was constructed; staff recommended approval limited to reuse of the existing structure (the reduced setback would not apply to redevelopment). The commission recommended approval with that condition.

Side setback variance at 303 Crestview Drive: Staff presented a variance request to replace a hurricane‑destroyed carport and garage in the same location on a property at 303 Crestview Drive; the structures previously sat about 3 feet from the property line where 10 feet would normally be required. Staff said the carport and garage have been in place for many years with no reported issues and recommended approval to restore the structures in the same location. The commission voted to recommend approval of a reduced side setback to approximately 3 feet.

Why it matters: The change‑of‑conditions motion balances a developer’s request for more time against protecting neighborhood zoning by triggering rezoning back to residential if commercial development does not begin. The setback variances allow reuse or replacement of existing structures but limit future redevelopment to current zoning setbacks.

Next steps: The commission’s recommended conditions and variances will be forwarded to the Board of Commissioners for final action on Aug. 5, 2025.