Council approves two habitable accessory units with conditions, adds survey requirement

The East Point City Council voted Monday to grant special use permits for two habitable accessory structures — commonly called accessory dwelling units — at 1962 Montrose Drive and 3020 Church Street, approving both requests with conditions that include adherence to building codes, site surveys and size limits.

Kimberly Smith, the city’s planning and community development director, told council both properties are in residential zoning districts and that staff and the planning commission recommended approval of the use permits with conditions. “Applicant shall adhere to all applicable state and city codes,” Smith said when introducing the Montrose Drive case.

At 1962 Montrose Drive the applicants, Timothy Glover and Rachel Lasting, said they want to convert an existing garage into a studio for family visits and possible short‑term rental use. During discussion council members clarified three conditions listed in the ordinance and added a fourth after a staff clarification: the applicant must submit a survey to confirm setback requirements for existing structures. Council member Atkins moved to approve the ordinance with the three conditions in the packet and the added survey requirement; the motion passed with a typically unanimous roll call response.

At 3020 Church Street the applicant Frances Crowder on behalf of her client described an ADU intended for an elderly family member. Staff noted the property’s primary structure is approximately 1,751 square feet and recommended a size limit: the ADU may not exceed 50% of the primary structure. The ordinance adopted by council included the code compliance requirement, the 50% size limit tied to the primary structure, reference to section 10‑21‑30 of the code (habitable accessory structures), and a provision that planning staff have final review and approval of architectural design; the council also waived the first reading and adopted the ordinance during the same meeting.

Applicants and their supporters spoke during the public hearings. Timothy Glover and Rachel Lasting attended in person for the Montrose Drive request; Rachel Lasting said the converted studio would provide a place for family visits and potential short‑term rental income. At the Church Street hearing Frances Crowder, project manager Sean Commerce and the prospective occupant, Madiba Inbele, each spoke in favor and described the proposed unit as a way to keep an elderly family member close to the household while preserving family privacy.

Council members asked staff to ensure the survey and setback confirmation were added to the adopted Montrose Drive ordinance; staff agreed to amend the ordinance language to include the survey requirement and confirmed the other conditions in both adopted ordinances.

Both use permits passed; council members emphasized compliance with short‑term rental rules and building codes, and staff will complete final reviews as the applicants proceed with permitting.

No council member requested deferral and no votes against the measures were recorded at the meeting.