Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use Zoning topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission denies two short‑term rental special uses, approves downtown bar expansion and holds Future Land Use Map
Summary
Athens‑Clarke County commissioners denied special‑use permits for short‑term rentals at 210 E. Cloverhurst and 249 Fifth Street, approved a special‑use ordinance allowing a downtown bar with occupancy over 100 at 420 E. Clayton/429–431 E. Broad, and voted to hold the proposed 2045 Future Land Use Map until the April voting meeting.
The Commission on Feb. 3 considered several planning items, including multiple special‑use applications and a proposed 2045 Future Land Use (FLU) Map.
Short‑term rental requests: The Commission denied a special‑use request for a Commercial Short‑Term Rental at 210 E. Cloverhurst Avenue after public comment (applicant Abigail Lohman supported the request; Rita Kelly opposed). Planning had recommended approval (4–3), but the full Commission voted to deny the request unanimously. Separately, a special‑use application for a commercial short‑term rental at 249 Fifth Street (MACWOOD Properties LLC) was denied following a Planning Commission recommendation of denial (4–1) and no public input.
Downtown bar special use: The Commission held a public hearing for a special‑use application to allow a bar with occupancy exceeding 100 in the C‑D (Downtown Historic District) at properties identified as 420 E. Clayton Street, 429 E. Broad Street and 431 E. Broad Street. The Planning Commission recommended approval unanimously; proponent David Matheny spoke in support. The Commission adopted an ordinance amending the Code to permit the special use and incorporated a binding site plan and supporting report into the public record for inspection at the Planning Department.
Future Land Use Map: A robust public comment period produced a mixture of support and opposition (comments included concerns and clarifications that the FLU map is not zoning). After discussion the Commission voted unanimously to HOLD the proposed 2045 Future Land Use Map until the April voting meeting to allow further review.
What to watch: denials and the downtown bar approval will be reflected in the County’s zoning records and binding site plan materials; the FLU map hold pauses a major policy document until the Commission reviews additional input.
