Augusta council adopts zoning text amendments to clarify BZA authority and correct C‑3 use table

The Augusta City Council unanimously adopted Ordinance 2253 on Nov. 3, approving a set of text amendments to the city's zoning regulations intended to fix inconsistencies and align procedures with current practice.

Assistant City Manager Cammie Schroop told the council staff had identified wording that limited the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) to properties strictly within city limits while the zoning code already covered properties within the city's planning area. "We were looking to provide some clarification and alignment with our current practices," Schroop said. She said the changes will align the BZA’s stated jurisdiction with the existing extraterritorial planning area referenced in the zoning code.

Schroop also detailed an amendment to section 15.6 to clarify notice and decision procedures: BZA decisions would be documented via decision letters filed with the county Register of Deeds when applicable, while the council retains authority to approve formal resolutions. On a separate inconsistency, staff recommended correcting the secondary‑uses table (section 5.5) for the C‑3 Commercial District after a recent kennel application showed outdoor kennel runs and play yards were not explicitly listed even though dog kennels themselves were permitted. "This amendment adds outdoor kennel run and play yards as an approved secondary use for dog kennels in the C 3 District," Schroop said.

Council members asked whether the changes grew out of a specific case; Schroop confirmed a dog‑kennel and training facility application revealed the contradiction. She emphasized the amendment does not alter existing substantive requirements for kennels, such as five‑acre minimums and setback rules.

A council member moved to approve the ordinance as recommended by the planning commission. Clerk/assistant Erica called the roll; council members Martin, Burke, Bailey, Scott, Richardson, Davis, Brown and Marr voted yes. The presiding officer announced the motion carried and Ordinance 2253 was adopted.

The ordinance changes are procedural and clarify how variances and BZA decisions are recorded and how secondary uses are listed in the C‑3 district. The council did not change acreage, setback, or other permit standards tied to kennels; those requirements remain as written. The council did not set a separate effective date during the meeting.