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Board approves variance to reduce side-yard setback at 2563 Central Avenue
Summary
The Augusta Board of Zoning Appeals approved a variance to reduce the side-yard setback from 10 feet to 1.5 feet at 2563 Central Avenue, allowing subdivision of the 0.6-acre parcel; approval was subject to the staff-recommended 1.5-foot minimum setback and any required permits.
The Augusta Board of Zoning Appeals on June 15 approved a variance allowing a reduction of the side-yard setback at 2563 Central Avenue from 10 feet to 1.5 feet to permit subdivision of a 0.6-acre parcel.
Planning staff described the R-3A property as approximately 129 feet wide with variable depth and reported the proposed subdivision would create two tracts (approximately 0.29 and 0.30 acres). Staff said the existing accessory structure would encroach about 8.5 feet into the required side-yard setback and that the requested reduction represented roughly an 85% decrease from the 10-foot requirement. Rachel Martin, planning projects coordinator with Planning and Development, presented those findings and said staff had received no objections at the time the report was completed.
John Kelly, the applicant who identified himself as principal and managing partner of Lowett LLC, said the buildings are existing and that the proposed lot configuration is consistent with historical development patterns in the immediate area. "These are existing buildings that are on this site," Kelly said, adding that he owns nearby parcels and that the subdivision aligns with surrounding redevelopment.
Planning staff recommended denial, saying the request did not meet all criteria in section 23-5(b) of the comprehensive zoning ordinance, but advised that if the Board approved, it should impose a condition limiting the setback to a minimum of 1.5 feet as shown on the submitted plan. The Board voted to approve the variance subject to that staff-recommended condition; the chair announced the decision was unanimous and told the applicant he would receive a letter by mail.
The approval allows the applicant to proceed only under the conditions set by the Board and in compliance with any applicable permits and requirements. The Board's authority and appeal rights were read at the meeting: any person affected by the decision may file an appeal with the Superior Court of Richmond County within 30 days of the Boards decision.
