Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning Substitution topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Athens Board of Zoning Appeals approves substitution allowing 116 Central Avenue to be fully rented
Summary
At its July 14 meeting the Athens Board of Zoning Appeals voted 3–2 to approve a substitution converting a grandfathered two-unit owner-occupied duplex at 116 Central Avenue into a non-owner-occupied rental under ACC 23.07.02(b). The board heard testimony from the property manager and one emailed objection citing parking and neighborhood impacts.
The Athens Board of Zoning Appeals on July 14 approved a substitution to allow a grandfathered two-unit dwelling at 116 Central Avenue to be non-owner-occupied, a decision the board reached by a 3–2 vote.
The decision was announced after Zoning Director Tom Pyle summarized the request under ACC 23.07.02(b) and noted it resembles a substitution the board approved in 2025 at 75 South Shannon. Kendra, representing Athens Real Estate Company and the new owner, said the parcel (listed as 116/118 on auditor records) was sold in February, that one side (118) has a valid rental permit and the other side (116) is currently vacant for repairs, and that the owner intends to maintain the building and offer affordable rents. “As a property management company, we're constantly seeing people who need housing, so this would just be another door for somebody to fill potentially,” Kendra said.
An emailed objection from Tom Hanlon was read into the record, describing the neighborhood as congested and arguing that owner-occupied units tend to be better maintained and that converting owner-occupied units to rentals risks more parking problems and student-style rentals. Pyle read Hanlon’s line: “Please do not grant this variance,” and told the board staff had received that single written objection.
During deliberations the board focused on the statutory standard that a substitution not be “more objectionable” than the current owner-occupied status. Members and staff agreed the duplex is grandfathered in the R-1 zone and that the substitution would not increase the number of occupants on the parcel. Concerns included the long-term effect on owner-occupied housing supply and the potential for future owners to change management practices; supporters pointed to the owner’s maintenance investments as mitigating factors. “It seems to be a fairly minor change,” Chair Rob Delich said in framing the discussion.
A board member moved to approve the substitution under ACC 23.07.02(b); a colleague seconded, and the motion passed 3 in favor and 2 opposed. Delich directed the applicant to work with the code office on implementation and follow-up details, including the proper rental-permit processes.
The board took no additional legislative action on the item; staff will process the substitution and associated permits according to the board’s decision.
