Athens City Council discussed amending the language to the zoning code Monday to ensure less non-objectionable cases are required to be processed by the Board of Zoning Appeals.
Councilwoman Chris Fahl, D-4th Ward, addressed the issue with the Planning and Development committee. When residents want to make certain improvements to their home or add to it, they must go and check with code and obtain a permit. If it is found that specific actions or changes may not follow zoning code Title 23, the resident must go through the Board of Zoning Appeals, or BZA, for the variance.
Former six-year BZA member Joan Kraynanski spoke to warn against an expedited process that circumvents the BZA. Her two major concerns with the proposal surround separation of power and transparency.
“The public has the opportunity to see these types of actions and how they are handled by city government,” Kraynanski said. “There will be no public notice. There always has to be a public notice with the BZA... My biggest problem is transparency.”
Kraynanski pointed to the Planning Commision and its debate on the issue. She highlighted Nancy Bain, a member of the Planning Commission, and her reaction to the potential impact this type of decision could have.
“This is a slippery slope,” Bain said.
The motion was not voted on at the meeting and Fahl assured there will be further discussion on the issue.
