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Statesboro council approves setback variances for two new lodging projects on the bypass
Summary
The Statesboro City Council approved two setback variances to allow larger front setbacks for proposed hotel and motel projects on the bypass, with staff conditions including permitting limits and potential future dedication of a private road to the city.
Statesboro City Council on a voice vote approved two variances that will allow developers to build a hotel and a motel on parcels along the bypass with larger-than-standard front setbacks.
Mayor Jonathan McCollum read motions to approve staff recommendations for both applications after staff presentations. Planning staff explained that both properties lie in the city's activity regional center and are zoned MX; one request (application 526-02-01) would permit an 85-foot setback for a proposed four-story hotel with about 112 rooms at the corner of Woodford Lane and Venables Memorial Parkway. Justin, the city planner, told the council the planning commission unanimously recommended approval with two conditions: the variance does not grant the right to alter a building without appropriate permitting, and if the property is later subdivided the allotted setback may apply to the adjacent southern parcel so the council would not need to revisit the matter.
The council asked staff about green-infrastructure requirements and permeable pavement. Justin said certain amenity standards and tree-island requirements apply under the Unified Development Code and that permeable paving applies only to a percentage of parking areas under current ordinance provisions.
On the second case (application 526-02-02) — a variance to allow a 75-foot setback for a motel site near Eddie Russian Road and Veteran Memorial Parkway — staff again recommended approval. Justin noted an additional condition tied to a private road adjacent to the property: the city may require the owner to subdivide that road so it can be dedicated as a public road in the future to address access and traffic safety, and coordination with the Georgia Department of Transportation would be required for direct access to the bypass.
Both motions were moved, seconded and passed by voice vote with council members saying 'Aye.' The approved staff conditions remain part of both actions, and staff emphasized that building alterations still require appropriate permits.
The council did not receive speakers for or against either request during the hearings. The approvals allow project permitting to proceed, subject to the stated conditions and standard permitting reviews.
