Athens Board of Zoning Appeals - July 14, 2026

The Athens Board of Zoning Appeals held a meeting on July 14, 2026, to consider two zoning cases involving property use and setback variances. The first case involved a substitution request to change a legal nonconforming two-unit owner-occupied residential dwelling at 116 Central Avenue to a non-owner occupied rental in an R-1 zone. The board discussed the implications of this change, including parking concerns and neighborhood impact, and ultimately approved the substitution by a 3-2 vote. The second case was a variance request at 71 Morris Avenue to allow a six-foot tall fence to be placed two feet from the side property line where five feet is normally required. The appellant cited practical difficulties such as protecting landscaping and deterring deer. Letters of support from neighbors were read, and after deliberation, the board approved the variance with a 4-1 vote and one abstention. The meeting also included approval of minutes from a prior meeting. No direct procurement or contracting decisions were discussed during this session.