Commissioner Carter's Zoning Code Amendment Passes

Wednesday, Feb. 7- The Athens-Clarke Commission voted 7-3 to adopt an amendment to the A-C zoning code which will require any proposed developments in the AR zone to be approved by the Commission. The amendment was proposed by Commissioner Charles Carter (District 1), who was concerned that the loss of commission review would allow for bad development in the AR zone. The amendment also reinstates public comment on AR development. Commissioners Barrow, Carter, Chasteen, Jordan, Logan, McCarter and Sims voted for the amendment; Commissioners Ford, Kilpatrick and Sheats voted against.

 

Commissioner Carter Proposes First Change to Ordinance

Wednesday, Jan. 4. According to an article by Shana Gallentine in today's Banner Herald, Commissioner Charles Carter, who voted in favor of the zoning ordinance and in favor of overriding the mayor's veto of the ordinance, is now proposing a major change to the ordinance.

As it stands now, a developer can build anywhere in the AR zone as long as his or her plans are consistent with the new design standards that are part of the ordinance. There is no longer a requirement for review and approval of subdivision plans by the Planning Commission and ACC Commission - and no opportunity for public input. Commissioner Carter has become concerned that, in the words of Ms. Gallentine, "despite the new design standards, irresponsible builders could still destroy the rural quality of life." Mr. Carter is proposing that all subdivision plans should still be required to get approval from the Planning Commission and the ACC Commission, as they have in the past. Read the full text of the article.

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