Board permits reduced rear-yard setback for garage at 2706 Bellevue Avenue

The Augusta Board of Zoning Appeals on June 15 approved a variance reducing the rear-yard setback for a proposed garage at 2706 Bellevue Avenue from the ordinance-required distance to 25 feet.

Planning staff described the R-1A property (approximately 0.51 acres) and said the lot is adjacent to the Summerville Historic District; because it is outside but immediately adjacent to the district, exterior improvements will not require Historic Preservation Commission approval, staff said. The staff report noted the lot depth and calculated the ordinances requirement; staff also reported no objections at the time of the report.

Michael Downing, an attorney at Trotter Jones who said he represented the property owner, told the Board the existing garage on the property had been in place for about 85 years and that the proposal would demolish that garage and replace it with a new garage set back 25 feet from the rear property line. Downing said the staff report used the additions total square footage (approximately 2,900 square feet) but clarified the portion actually in the setback is a smaller shed; he and the property owner and builder were present to answer questions.

Planning staff reiterated that the application did not meet all criteria in section 23-5(b) of the comprehensive zoning ordinance but offered two conditions should the Board approve: (1) allow a minimum 25-foot rear setback as shown on submitted plans and (2) obtain all required permits prior to construction. A board member moved to approve with the staff recommendation; a second followed and the Board approved the variance with one recusal noted (Ross Truelock).

The approval is subject to the staff conditions and standard permitting requirements; the transcript records no public opposition at the meeting.