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Planning commission recommends R‑1 zoning for Cable Lane annexation
Summary
The Athens City Planning Commission voted Feb. 5 to recommend that City Council annex roughly 30–38 acres on Cable Lane and designate the property R‑1 (single‑family residential). The recommendation includes a request for a utility easement to support future growth; City Council handles final notice and approval.
The Athens City Planning Commission on Feb. 5 voted to recommend that City Council annex land on Cable Lane and designate the parcel as R‑1 (single‑family residential).
Commissioners heard from a representative for the property owner, who described the site as a long‑driveway hillside parcel of about 37 acres with direct access to Cable Lane. Director David Riggs told the commission that under the city’s zoning code (section 230203) annexations come to the planning commission so the board can advise City Council on an appropriate zoning designation. "Annexations need to go to this board before they go to City Council," Riggs said during the discussion.
Commissioners discussed whether the parcel could be considered for multifamily zoning in the future. Riggs explained the commission can recommend a different zone, and that any future change to allow multifamily housing would require a separate rezoning process or a request before the board of zoning appeals. Commissioner 7 suggested a planned unit development overlay (PUD) could be used to allow smaller, clustered lots while retaining an R‑1 base zoning.
Riggs also said the city has sought a blanket utility easement on the north side of the parcel for water and sewer so future development or annexation north of the site could be served through this property. He noted that acceptance of that easement would be handled separately, concurrent with the annexation petition to City Council.
Chair called for a motion to recommend annexation of the Cable Lane property and designation as R‑1; the motion was seconded and the commission voted in favor with no opposing votes recorded. The commission’s action was a recommendation to City Council; City Council is responsible for public notice and final approval as part of the annexation process.
Next steps: Staff will transmit the recommendation and the annexation petition to City Council, which will handle notification to adjacent owners and the formal public‑hearing process.
