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Athens BZA approves variance allowing accessory unit and one fewer parking space at 24 Forest St.
Summary
The Athens Board of Zoning Appeals granted a variance, 5–0, to allow an existing detached garage apartment at 24 Forest Street to be treated as a second primary structure (an ADU) and to reduce required parking from three spaces to two, citing topography and a code gap on accessory dwelling units.
The City of Athens Board of Zoning Appeals unanimously approved a variance on Feb. 10 to allow an existing detached garage apartment at 24 Forest Street to be treated as a second primary structure and to reduce required on‑site parking from three spaces to two.
Applicant Dustin Grooms told the board the garage apartment was constructed on an existing parking pad and was intended for a family member; the intended occupant subsequently became ill and needs long‑term housing. "The unit was approved and built on an existing parking pad and our original intent for this was to house a family member," Grooms said, describing the unit as a one‑bedroom with a full kitchen and bathroom and with its own entrance.
Zoning staff explained the request is a variance from ACC table b (parking requirement) and from ACC 23.0.4.01 (one primary structure permitted) to recognize the accessory unit. Board members noted Forest Street is narrow with limited parking pressure, and several members said the lot’s steep topography and the absence of specific ADU provisions in the city code created practical difficulty. One member described the lack of ADU guidance in the code as a "blind spot" that the board must address case by case.
A motion to grant the variances passed on a 5–0 vote. The board closed the hearing on that case and issued the variances at the meeting.
