Commission approves parking variance to convert Scarlet Street motel into 26 apartments

The Glynn County Planning Commission approved a variance allowing the existing 39 parking spaces at 3030 Scarlet Street to serve a planned conversion of an abandoned motel into 26 residential units.

Maurice Postal of Glynn County Planning and Zoning told the Commission the applicant is seeking relief from Glynn County Zoning Ordinance section 611, which prescribes off‑street parking. Postal said the ordinance generally requires two spaces per dwelling unit and that the site currently provides 39 spaces. He described physical constraints that limit expansion of parking: a Georgia Power transmission easement runs across the adjoining 1.4‑acre parcel the owner controls, and a GDOT drainage canal crosses the lot. "The existing property has 39 parking spaces," Postal said. "According to 6.11, a 26 residential units in HR zoning would require..." (staff noted that the zoning standard is two spaces per unit; the correct required total for 26 units is 52 spaces).

The applicant, identified in meeting materials as Brunswick Scarlet Street LLC and present at the hearing, is converting the former motel into 18 studio units and eight one‑bedroom units and has submitted commercial building plans. Owner and representative Mark Maguana told the board that Georgia Power would not permit parking or subsurface improvements in the easement area and that the adjoining parcel is therefore not a practical option for overflow parking. He also said experience with similar hotel‑to‑apartment conversions shows a substantial share of residents do not own vehicles: "We have 1 parking spot for every unit plus 10% extra," Maguana said, adding that in past projects about 25–30% of residents did not own a vehicle.

Staff recommended approval as presented. Planning and building staff noted the property otherwise meets height, setback and impervious‑area rules. Board members asked about the building mix and whether increasing one‑bedroom units would change parking needs; building staff and the applicant said unit mix affects rents and the project's target residents and that conversions typically include lease screening, income verification and minimum lease terms.

The board moved and approved the variance "as presented." The applicant said the property has been vacant, reported as a homeless encampment in the past, and is currently on the county condemnation list; the conversion is intended to return the building to long‑term rental use. The county will enforce standard building‑department requirements as the project proceeds.