Planning staff backs planned development for Oconee–Ann Street site despite tree-canopy waiver

Athens-Clarke County planning staff on Jan. 23 recommended that the mayor and commission approve a planned development and future‑land‑use boundary change for two adjoining properties at 1280 Oconee Street and 300 Ann Street, a proposal that would add commercial space facing Oconee and a small pocket‑neighborhood of residential units behind it.

The application, which the Planning Commission recommended in its report to the mayor and commission, asks the county to rezone one parcel from RM‑1 to RM‑2, keep the commercial zoning on the adjacent parcel, and make a binding site plan part of a planned development. The proposal includes two commercial buildings totaling roughly 7,500 square feet fronting Oconee Street, six duplex residential units (three bedrooms, 3.5 baths each), one standalone single‑family unit and about 66 surface parking spaces plus 11 proposed on‑street spaces along Ann Street.

Planning Director Bruce Lonnie told the commission the staff report and Planning Commission recommendation find the request consistent with…