Athens City Council approves conditional rezoning for 122.2‑acre Cambridge Lane tract

The Athens City Council on Sept. 8 approved a conditional rezoning of about 122.2 acres near Cambridge Lane to an R‑13C high‑density single‑family residential district with conditions, by a 5‑0 vote.

City planner Erin said the rezoning includes binding conditions that “cap[ ] a maximum yield of 255 lots and a requirement to have 45% open space,” and that the conditions will remain with the property regardless of ownership. The property owners named in the ordinance were Ruth Ann D. Barksdale, Keith Rowe, Tammy Gafford and Gerald Douthard.

The council heard from staff that the planning commission recommended approval with the listed conditions. Erin told the council that the conditional rezoning is intended to “allow for the master development plan requirements to be met” and that if a future owner wanted to remove the conditions, they would need to return to the council to request rezoning.

Council members moved and seconded suspension of the rules to take the ordinance up the same night. The suspension motion passed on roll call (Harper, Wailes, Seibert, Henry, Lucas all voting yes). The ordinance vote likewise passed 5‑0.

The conditions attached to the rezoning limit buildable density compared with a standard R‑13 designation and require an overlay showing the conditional status on the zoning map, Erin said. Staff also explained the city will review preliminary and final plats to verify compliance with the conditions during the development process.

The ordinance text filed with the council identifies the site as being located approximately 610 feet south of U.S. Highway 72 and directly west of Cambridge Lane and provides parcel identification referenced in the ordinance record.

Councilors did not record any public comments in opposition during the meeting on this item.

The rezoning becomes part of the city’s zoning map and will be enforced through the city’s subdivision and plat review process.