Athens Board of Zoning Appeals October 13, 2026

The Athens Board of Zoning Appeals met October 13, 2026, with four voting members present, to consider one case: variance request 26-09V for 64 Eden Place. The applicant sought to allow a non-owner-occupied short-term rental in an R1 zone after the zoning administrator denied a short-term rental permit because that use is not allowed there. The representative said the home had been vacant for about a year and that short-term rental management would provide flexibility while the owner’s estate situation was resolved; they cited existing management practices, maintenance plans, off-street parking, and quiet-hour rules. Nearby residents opposed the request, raising concerns about neighborhood impacts, oversight, the potential duration of the use, and whether the request met the variance criteria.

The board discussed the required variance findings, including whether circumstances were unique to the property, whether the variance would confer a special privilege, and possible effects on neighboring properties. A motion to approve the variance was made and seconded, but the transcript does not capture the vote tally or the final outcome. The board also approved the September 8 meeting minutes with a correction to one finding. No procurement or spending activity was identified.