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Opelika zoning board approves setback variances for 20‑unit townhome project on South 7th Street
Summary
The Opelika zoning board approved three setback variances to allow a planned 20‑unit townhome development at 300 South 7th Street and Avenue C to sit closer to the street than current standards, subject to planning and historic‑preservation review. Neighbors praised the design intent but expressed concerns about reduced front setbacks.
The Opelika zoning board voted to approve setback variances for a proposed 20‑unit townhome development at 300 South 7th Street and Avenue C, allowing the new buildings to sit closer to the street than city code normally permits.
Staff told the board the developer seeks three variances: a 15‑foot reduction from the required 25‑foot front‑yard setback on South 7th Street, a 10‑foot reduction from a 20‑foot requirement on Avenue C, and a 3‑foot reduction from a 10‑foot side‑yard requirement. Staff said the project had previously been reviewed by the Planning Commission and the Historic Preservation Commission and recommended conditional approval provided final plans conform to the commissions’ approvals.
"The primary driver of these changes is to hide the parking and have the buildings present themselves on the street, just like all of the in‑character buildings in Downtown Opelika," Stone Ray, a designer for the developer, said during the meeting. He told the board the site plan aligns the new homes with adjacent downtown structures and that staff had been "very supportive".
Shane Dickerson, who identified himself as a property owner and a member of the Opelika Historic Preservation Society board, said he appreciated the developer’s outreach but warned about reduced setbacks. "I do have some concerns about the setbacks being, in some cases, half of what the city says they should be," Dickerson said, urging caution to protect neighborhood character.
Board members asked staff whether the city is reviewing zoning and setback standards; staff replied ordinance updates are under consideration and that the Historic Preservation Commission had seen and approved the plans. After discussion, a board member moved to approve the variances as presented; a second was recorded and the motion carried by voice vote.
The board’s action allows the developer to proceed with detailed planning steps, subject to final approvals by planning staff and the Historic Preservation Commission.
