Board approves setback reduction to allow Racetrack redevelopment on Washington Road

The Augusta Board of Zoning Appeals voted unanimously to allow Racetrack, Inc. to reduce the Stevens Creek Road front setback from 40 feet to 15 feet at 3021 Washington Road in order to demolish and rebuild a Raceway-branded convenience store and fueling canopy. Attorney Darren Meadows, representing the applicant, said the existing configuration is nonconforming and that the new layout would move canopy and dispenser elements farther from the Stevens Creek right-of-way than the existing condition.

Meadows told the board the property contains approximately 0.54 acres and that Racetrack had attempted to purchase adjacent parcels but was unsuccessful. He said the proposed changes would modernize the facility, improve vehicular circulation and customer safety, and ultimately present an improved condition compared with the present layout. Planning staff recommended approval with four conditions including that redevelopment conform to the submitted site plan, obtain required permits and approvals, and comply with the Augusta tree ordinance. The board approved the variance after the applicant said he would accept those conditions.