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Commission approves curb‑cut variance for ADU driveway at 138 Park Circle
Summary
The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval May 1 of a variance allowing a second curb cut at 138 Park Circle so a separate driveway can serve a new accessory dwelling unit; staff cited a Georgia Power transmission easement and lot shape as constraints.
The Woodstock Planning Commission unanimously on May 1 recommended City Council approve a variance permitting a second driveway curb cut on Park Circle to serve an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) at 138 Park Circle.
Planner Hannah Menard said the property is in the Dobbs Estates subdivision (DTBLR zoning) and is improved with a single-family home and an ADU currently under construction. Menard said a Georgia Power transmission-line easement at the rear of the lot, combined with the lot’s shallow, wide shape, prevents the ADU from being recessed behind the primary home or from sharing the existing driveway, which would be the preferred configuration under the ADU ordinance. She noted the downtown code generally allows a maximum of one driveway curb cut per block face; the ADU ordinance did not provide a special allowance for an additional curb cut.
Menard said the DPC voted 5–1 to recommend approval with conditions intended to prevent conflicts with the neighboring driveway; staff also noted alternatives such as a lot split were not feasible because of density rules and tax implications. Applicant Ryan Stockton said the second curb cut would allow in‑laws to drive to the ADU and avoid a long sidewalk or difficult terrain. Staff and the commission discussed mailbox/addressing (Cherokee County GIS provided a separate address for the ADU) and line-of-sight and visibility; staff said the applicant will coordinate with city engineering to refine the driveway alignment and avoid impediments to sight lines.
Commissioner Laney moved and Commissioner Smith seconded a motion to recommend approval in accordance with staff recommendations; the motion passed unanimously and the matter will now go to City Council for final action.
