Council approves rezoning tweak for 105 Ayers Ave., allowing slight density increase with conditions

The Marietta City Council voted unanimously to approve a rezoning application for 105 Ayers Avenue that raises the allowable density within the infill residential overlay from 8 units per acre to 8.3 units per acre, the council decided Aug. 13.

The applicant told the council the request would enable construction of three single-family homes on the site. Council approval carried stipulations requiring two-car garages for the units and a donation of right-of-way in lieu of installing a sidewalk.

City staff opened the public hearing and noted the council’s rules provide 15 minutes per side and five minutes per speaker for rezoning hearings. The applicant, identified as representing McQuarter Realty Partners, said the proposal meets minimum lot size and width requirements and described the change as a minor increase. A resident who spoke during public comment questioned building footprints and spacing between homes, asking whether livable space might be too small and noting that infill homes can have as little as five feet between structures.

After discussion and clarifying questions about driveway lengths, sidewalk requirements and minimum square footage, Council member motioned "to approve the application from R-4 single family residential to R-4 single family residential with increase in density with stipulations that there will be 2 car garages and a donation of right away in lieu of a sidewalk." The motion carried 7-0.

Council and staff said the project remains tied to the infill overlay rules and that the applicant’s plans do not require variances under the overlay. The developer indicated the three homes would comply with the overlay’s minimum lot-size standards and two-car garages as stipulated by the council.

The approval authorizes the zoning change and attached stipulations; subsequent building permits and plan approvals will be required before construction.