CITY GOVERNMENT

OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF CITY COUNCIL

SAVANNAH, GEORGIA

PRESENT: Mayor Eddie W. DeLoach, Presiding

Aldermen Carol Bell, Julian Miller, Brian Foster, Bill Durrence ,Van Johnson, II, Tony Thomas, John Hall and Estella E. Shabazz

Rob Hernandez, City Manager

Bret Bell, Assistant to the City Manager

Jennifer Herman, Interim City Attorney

William Shearouse, Assistant City Attorney

The regular meeting of Council was held this date at 2:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison followed by the Invocation by Mayor Pro-Tem Carol Bell.

A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF SAVANNAH AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN AFFIDAVIT OF EXECUTIVE SESSION.

BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah as follows:

At the meeting held on the 31st day of January, 2019 the Council entered into a closed session for the purpose of discussing Real Estate, Litigation and Personnel. At the close of the discussions upon this subject, the Council reentered into open session and herewith takes the following action in open session:

1. The actions of Council and the discussions of the same regarding the matter set forth for the closed session purposes are hereby ratified;
2. Each member of this body does hereby confirms that to the best of his or her knowledge, the subject matter of the closed session was devoted to matters within the specific relevant exception(s) as set forth above;
3. The presiding officer is hereby authorized and directed to execute an affidavit, with full support of the Council in order to comply with O.C.G.A. §50-14-4(b); 17
4. The affidavit shall be included and filed with the official minutes of the meeting and shall be in a form as required by the statute.

ADOPTED AND APPROVED: JANUARY 31, 2019 upon motion of Alderwoman Bell, seconded by Alderwoman Shabazz, and unanimously carried.

Approved upon motion of Alderwoman Bell, seconded by Alderwoman Shabazz, and unanimously carried. 

Approved upon motion of Alderwoman Bell, seconded by Alderwoman Shabazz, and unanimously carried. 

Mayor DeLoach read the below proclamation declaring February 1, 2019 as National Wear Red Day in Savannah. He urged all Savannahians to show their support for women in their fight against cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of women in the United States, with risk factors including high blood pressure, smoking, and lack of physical activity.  National Wear Red Day encourages women to meet with their healthcare providers, raises awareness of their five health numbers, and empowers women to reduce their risk so that we can save thousands of lives each year. 

WHEREAS, cardiovascular diseases are the number one killer of women in the U.S.; and

WHEREAS, cardiovascular disease kill one woman almost every 80 seconds in the U.S.; and

WHEREAS, about eighty percent of cardiovascular diseases may be prevented; and

WHEREAS, some risk factors such as blood pressure, smoking, cholesterol and lack of regular physical activity can be controlled; and

WHEREAS, the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women movement motivates women to learn their family history and to meet with a healthcare provider to determine their risk for cardiovascular diseases and stroke; and

WHEREAS, Go Red For Women encourages women to take control of their heart health by knowing five numbers that can be life changing: 

1. Total Cholesterol
2. HDL (good) Cholesterol
3. Blood Pressure
4. Blood Sugar
5. Body Mass Index (BMI); and

WHEREAS, by increasing awareness speaking out about heart disease and empowering women to reduce their risk for cardiovascular diseases, we can save thousands of lives each year.

NOW, THEREFORE, I Eddie W. DeLoach, Mayor of the CIty of Savannah, do hereby proclaim Friday, February 1, 2019, as 

NATIONAL WEAR RED DAY®

in the City of Savannah and urge all citizens to show their support for women and the fight against heart disease by commemorating this day by wearing the color red. 

Ms. Kathy Levitt, representative of the American Heart Association, thanked City Council for their support and encouraged “go red for men” too. Alderwoman Shabazz thanked Ms. Levitt for bringing attention to this issue, and stated that sometimes women take care of everyone else and forget to take care of themselves.

Rebecca Brown, Cultural Affairs Coordinator with the City of Savannah Cultural Resources Department, Shirley James and Amanda Holloway, of the Black Heritage Festival, and Dr. Cheryl Dozier, President of Savannah State University, invited the community to attend the Savannah Black Heritage Festival with events starting on February 1^st and running through February 22^nd. This year’s festival is the thirtieth year celebration and will serve as a tribute to W. W. Law, the founder and organizer of the festival. The festival poster features the posters of the past twenty years, as well as the first poster from 1989. Ms. James thanked the City for their support through the arts and cultural investment program which allows this program to be open to the public. Dr. Dozier stated Savannah State is proud to be a primary sponsor of the event and help celebrate the legacy of their founding president R. R. Wright at National Freedom Day. Ms. James highlighted some of the events, including a tribute to W. W. Law at the Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum, Council with the Elders sponsored by the Shinhoster Leadership Group, the W. W. Law Lecture, the History and Health Walk tracing the footsteps of W. W. Law’s postal route in the Cuyler-Brownville neighborhood, and the Grand Festival. She noted the concert on February 15^th at the Georgia Southern Armstrong Campus featuring the Brothers Mystro, classically trained violinists. The end of the Festival will be on February 22^nd with the dedication of historical markers in the White Bluff/Coffee Bluff area commemorating African Americans who settled there. More information can be found at www.savannahblackheritagefestival.com.

Alderwoman Bell added that an additional event was added this year to engage middle school students who will participate in the first black scholars’ history bowl which will be held at the Beach Institute. This will be an opportunity to engage our students and learn about the history and contributions made by African Americans, particularly in Savannah.

Alderman Johnson thanked all of the presenters for their work. He stated he has had the opportunity to attend all thirty years of the Festival, which started as a partnership with the City and Savannah State. He also took the opportunity to thank Dr. Dozier for all that she has done for Savannah State.

Alderman Thomas thanked Ms. James for her leadership through the years, and stated he was extremely pleased with the upcoming dedication of the markers on February 22^nd and the work the Crusader organization has done with getting those markers ready.

Alderwoman Shabazz stated that Ms. James has modeled leadership perfectly for the team coming up behind her and thanked her for her work.

A public hearing was held. No persons came forward to speak either for or against the item.

Hearing closed upon motion of Alderman Miller, seconded by Alderman Durrence, and unanimously carried.

Approved upon motion of Alderman Miller, seconded by Alderman Foster, and unanimously carried.

A public hearing was held. No persons came forward to speak either for or against the item.

Hearing closed upon motion of Alderman Miller, seconded by Alderman Durrence, and unanimously carried.

Approved upon motion of Alderman Miller, seconded by Alderman Foster, and unanimously carried.

A public hearing was held. No persons came forward to speak either for or against the item.

Hearing closed upon motion of Alderman Miller, seconded by Alderman Durrence, and unanimously carried.

Approved upon motion of Alderman Miller, seconded by Alderman Foster, and unanimously carried.

A public hearing was held. No persons came forward to speak either for or against the item.

Hearing closed upon motion of Alderman Miller, seconded by Alderman Durrence, and unanimously carried.

Approved upon motion of Alderman Miller, seconded by Alderman Foster, and unanimously carried.

A public hearing was held. No persons came forward to speak either for or against the item.

Hearing closed upon motion of Alderman Miller, seconded by Alderman Durrence, and unanimously carried.

Approved upon motion of Alderman Miller, seconded by Alderman Foster, and unanimously carried.

A public hearing was held. No persons came forward to speak either for or against the item.

Hearing closed upon motion of Alderman Miller, seconded by Alderman Durrence, and unanimously carried.

Approved upon motion of Alderman Miller, seconded by Alderman Foster, and unanimously carried.

A public hearing was held. No persons came forward to speak either for or against the item.

Hearing closed upon motion of Alderman Miller, seconded by Alderman Durrence, and unanimously carried.

Approved upon motion of Alderman Miller, seconded by Alderman Foster, and unanimously carried.

A public hearing was held. No persons came forward to speak either for or against the item.

Hearing closed upon motion of Alderman Miller, seconded by Alderman Durrence, and unanimously carried.

Approved upon motion of Alderman Miller, seconded by Alderman Foster, and unanimously carried.

Marcus Lotson, Metropolitan Planning Commission: Mr. Mayor and Council, you all will remember having seen Cohen’s Retreat come before you a number of times over the last few years for various approvals. The reason for that is because the zoning that the property is currently under requires them to come before this body for any change that they want to pursue on that property. What we are bringing before you today is two items, actually the next two items on the agenda, items number 13 and 14 which is a proposal to create a PUD (Planned Unit Development) for the Cohen’s Retreat and to rezone the property to that PUD. Essentially what we're recommending is that all the existing uses that you've approved over the years and the conditions that are associated with those uses be consolidated in the zoning ordinance in one place. We have uses going back to 2004 up until as recently as November of last year that you've done and we want to consolidate those, put them in one place and then rezone the property to a planned unit development that’s specific only to the Cohen’s Retreat PUD. They will continue to be able to operate their current uses that are already approved under that zoning and if they choose to seek something different that's not already done, then they'll have to come back before you.

Alderman Miller: As I understand it this new zoning doesn’t allow anything they don't already have, it just cleans it up.

Mr. Lotson: That's exactly right, it’s the consolidation of the things that have already been approved.

Hearing closed upon motion of Alderman Hall, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.

Approved upon motion of Alderwoman Bell, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.

Hearing heard with item 13.

Hearing closed upon motion of Alderman Hall, seconded by Alderwoman Shabazz, and unanimously carried.

Approved upon motion of Alderman Hall, seconded by Alderwoman Shabazz, and unanimously carried.

Continued to the meeting of February 14, 2019

Ordinance read for the first time in Council January 31, 2019, then by unanimous consent of Council read a second time, placed upon its passage, adopted and approved upon a motion by Alderman Durrence, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.

AN ORDINANCE

To Be Entitled

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND PART 8, CHAPTER 3, ZONING, TO AMEND ARTICLE A (DEFINITIONS) AND TO REPEAL ALL OTHER ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

BE IT ORDAINED by the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah, Georgia, in regular meeting of Council assembled and pursuant to lawful authority thereof:

SECTION 1:  That Part 8, Chapter 3, Zoning of the Code of the City of Savannah, Georgia (2003) hereinafter referenced as "Code," be amended as follows:

Note: Text to be enacted is shown in blue, bold, and underlined.  Text to be repealed is shown in red, bold, and double strikethrough.

Sec. 8-3002.  Definitions

Inn.      A lodging establishment for transient guests with no more than 15 guest rooms.  Must be owner-occupied or provide 24-hour / 7 day a week onsite staff.  Any on-premises use that is accessible by the general public, such as a restaurant, bar or event/assembly space, is a separate principal use and must be an allowed use in the base zoning district.  Any on-premises use that is accessible only by hotel inn guests is an accessory use.

SECTION 2: That the requirement of Section 8-3182(f) of said Code and the law in such cases made and provided has been satisfied.  That an opportunity for a public hearing was afforded anyone having an interest or property right which may have been affected by this zoning amendment, said notice being published in the Savannah Morning News on the 19^th  day of December, 2018, a copy of said notice being attached hereto and made a part hereof.

            SECTION 3:  Upon the effective date of the ordinance all ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.

ADOPTED AND APPROVED: JANUARY 31, 2019

Ordinance read for the first time in Council January 31, 2019, then by unanimous consent of Council read a second time, placed upon its passage, adopted and approved upon a motion by Alderman Durrence, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried.

AN ORDINANCE

To Be Entitled

AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND PART 8, CHAPTER 3, ZONING, TO AMEND ARTICLES B (ZONING DISTRICTS) AND D (Off-street Parking and Service Requirements); AND TO REPEAL ALL OTHER ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

BE IT ORDAINED by the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah, Georgia, in regular meeting of Council assembled and pursuant to lawful authority thereof:

SECTION 1:  That Part 8, Chapter 3, Zoning of the Code of the City of Savannah, Georgia (2003) hereinafter referenced as "Code," be amended as follows:

Note: Text to be enacted is shown in blue, bold, and underlined.  Text to be repealed is shown in red, bold, and double strikethrough.

Article B (Zoning Districts)

Sec. 8-3021

(22)   R-I-P-B residential, medium density.  The purpose of this district shall be to stabilize land use intensity in R-I-P-B zoning districts to not more than 70 dwelling units per acre of residential land.  Provided that when located within the boundaries of the Savannah Historic District, as referenced by Section 8-3030, or for properties zoned RIP-B that are larger than 1.5 acres and located adjacent to the Savannah Historic District, neither a minimum lot area per dwelling unit nor maximum density requirement shall apply.  Site development plans shall be reviewed under the provisions of Section 8-3031 when located outside of the area bounded by East Broad Street and Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, between the Savannah River and Gwinnett Street, unless such properties are zoned RIP-B and are larger than 1.5 acres and located adjacent to the Savannah Historic District.  [Sec. 8-3021(22) amended 11/21/17 (17-002807-ZA)]

Sec. 8-3025

(d)    Schedule of development standards.  Minimum requirements for lot area, lot width, yards, height of buildings and building coverage are set forth in the following schedule for each district; provided, however, residential lots not served by public water and public sewers shall meet the minimum lot area and lot width requirements set forth in subsection (d).  Provided, further, that all development fronting onto or adjacent to an arterial or collector street shall be subject to the provisions of section 8-3061 except as provided for therein.  The Metropolitan Planning Commission may approve variances from front yard and side yard building setback line requirements at the request of the subdivider for a proposed subdivision upon a finding that such variances would: [Sec. 8-3025(d) amended 11/21/17 (17-002807-ZA); 7/10/14 (14-000899-ZA)]

1. Be in keeping with the overall character of the area.
2. Would not be contrary to the process and intent of these regulations.
3. Would not be detrimental to existing or proposed surrounding uses.
4. Would serve public purposes to a degree equal to or greater than the standards replaced.

*    As of the [date of adoption], a minimum lot area per dwelling unit shall not be required for residential dwellings within the Savannah Historic District (Section 8-3030), or for properties zoned RIP-B that are larger than 1.5 acres and located adjacent to the Savannah Historic District, provided that a total minimum lot area of 1,800 square feet shall apply.  [Sec. 8-3025(d) amended 11/21/17 (17-002807-ZA)]

*    Provided that where a setback is established within a zoning district by these regulations, such setback shall apply, provided that no structure shall be located closer than 15 feet from the right-of-way of a freeway, parkway, major arterial, secondary arterial, or rural road, and no residential structure shall be located closer than 25 feet from such rights-of-way.

**  No side yard shall be required between a proposed building and an existing building when the proposed structure is a continuation of an existing structure and both are in the same ownership provided that: (1) No structure, except for an elevated pier or wooden deck, shall be erected or constructed within 25 feet of saltwater marshland, and (2) a building eave or roof overhang may extend up to 24 inches into a required side or rear yard setback; provided that such extension is at least three feet from the property line, its lower edge is at least 7.5 feet above the ground elevation, and it is located at least five feet from any other building or eave.

*** A maximum density standard shall not apply when located within the boundaries of the Savannah Historic District (Section 8-3030) or for properties zoned RIP-B that are larger than 1.5 acres and located adjacent to the Savannah Historic District.  [Sec. 8-3025(d) amended 11/21/17 (17-002807-ZA)]

(e)     Density restrictions in certain districts.  Within the R-I-P-A, R-I-P-A-1, R-I-P-B, R-I-P-B-1, R-I-P-C, and R-I-P-D districts,

1.   A lot smaller than 3,500 square feet, containing an historic residential structure originally designed as a single-family dwelling shall not be permitted to contain more than three dwelling units, inclusive of dwelling units within a carriage house.

2.   A lot 3,500 square feet or larger and containing an historic residential structure originally designed as a single-family dwelling shall maintain not less than 900 square feet of lot area per dwelling unit.

3.   These provisions shall include lots containing such structures which have been converted into a multifamily use, provided that such dwelling structure has been condemned for occupancy and has remained vacant for 12 months or more, or has been occupied as a single-family dwelling for 12 months or more.

[Sec. 8-3025(e) amended 11/21/17 (17-002807-ZA)]

(f)     Subdivision of land.  Within the R-I-P-A, R-I-P-A-1, R-I-P-B, R-I-P-B-1, R-I-P-C, and R-I-P-D districts: the subdivision of land shall be in keeping with the historic development pattern of the same block or immediately adjacent block as determined by the Planning Director.

[Sec. 8-3025(f) created 11/21/17 (17-002807-ZA)]

(g)     For properties zoned RIP-B that are larger than 1.5 acres and located adjacent to the Savannah Historic District, no permit shall be issued to construct a new building or structure, materially change the appearance of an existing historic structure, to demolish a historic structure, or to make changes to the exterior of a structure visible from any public right-of-way until the Preservation Officer or Metropolitan Planning Commission (“MPC”) has issued a certificate of appropriateness (“COA”) based upon review of the plans for compliance with the following standards:

1. The visual compatibility factors found in Section 8-3030(m);
2. The design standards found in Section 8-3030(n); and
3. The preservation of historic structures requirement of Section 8-3030(l)(1).

1. For the purposes of this ordinance, the existing structure known as the Catholic Diocese Building located at 601 East Liberty Street, Savannah, Georgia shall be considered a contributing, historic structure, as defined in Section 8-3030(f)(1).

4. Notwithstanding Sections (1), (2), and (3), above, the following design and development standards shall be exceptions to the requirements found in Section 8-3030(m) and Section 8-3030 (n):

a.   Height. New construction and additions to historic structures shall be permitted to build to five (5) stories above grade, as measured at the north-west corner of the property located at 601 East Liberty Street, Savannah, Georgia.

2. Additional Stories above the Historic District Height Map for nonhistoric Large-Scale Development. The ‘bonus story’ requirements of Section 8-3030(n)(1)(e)(ii) shall not apply.

(5)     Application for Certificate of Appropriateness. Application for a COA shall be made in the office of the MPC on forms provided. Drawings, photographs, plans, and specifications shall show the proposed exterior alterations, additions, changes, or new construction in sufficient detail to enable the Preservation Officer and/or Metropolitan Planning Commission to determine whether the proposed activity, repairs, or construction will be in compliance with the provisions of this Ordinance. Each application shall be accompanied by all required information as specified on the form.

1. Preservation Officer.

i.    Established. The designee of the Executive Director of the MPC shall serve as the Preservation Officer.

ii.   Jurisdiction and Duties of the Preservation Officer. The Preservation Officer’s jurisdiction shall include all properties zoned RIP-B that are larger than 1.5 acres and located adjacent to the Savannah Historic District.

iii.  The Preservation Officer shall be concerned with those elements of development, redevelopment, rehabilitation, and preservation that affect visual quality of properties zoned RIP-B that are larger than 1.5 acres and located adjacent to the Savannah Historic District.

iv.  The Preservation Officer shall not consider interior arrangement of buildings or other architectural features not subject to public view, nor make any requirement except for the purpose of preventing development incompatible with the architectural or design character of the property.

v.    The Preservation Officer shall be responsible for all interpretation of design and visual compatibility requirements as outlined in this Ordinance.

2. Action by Preservation Officer.

i.    The Preservation Officer or her authorized representative shall review all applications prior to their being accepted for processing. Adequate documentation shall be submitted with each application to ensure that an informed and knowledgeable decision can be made by the Preservation Officer within the time period prescribed herein.

ii.   All applications, except new construction with a cumulative footprint greater than 4,000 square feet, any project with design-related variance requests, demolition of contributing building, and relocation of contributing buildings, shall be reviewed and a decision in writing rendered thereon by the Preservation Officer within 30 calendar days of receipt of and acceptance of the fully completed application and supporting documentation. The applicant may request the MPC review instead of Preservation Officer review and the application will be placed on the next available agenda.

3. Action by the Metropolitan Planning Commission.

1. The MPC shall review all new construction with a cumulative footprint greater than 4,000 square feet and any project with design-related variance requests within 45 calendar days of receipt and acceptance of fully completed application and supporting documentation.

(6)     Certificate of Appropriateness for Demolition. Demolition of historic structures is deemed detrimental to the public interest and shall only be permitted pursuant to this section.

1. All requests for demolition of any historic structure shall by reviewed by the MPC.
2. A COA for demolition of a historic structure shall be issued by the MPC only when one of the following conditions has been established by clear and convincing evidence pursuant to criteria established herein:

i.    The demolition is required to alleviate a threat to public health of public safety; and/or

ii.   The demolition is required to avoid exceptional practical difficulty or undue hardship upon any owner of any specific property. If the difficulty or hardship claimed is economic, the applicant shall be required to submit sufficient evidence to demonstrate that the application of the standards and regulations of this section deprives the applicant of a positive economic use or return on the subject property.

3. A COA for demolition of a contributing building shall not be issued until a COA has been issued approving the replacement building, except in the case of emergency demolition.
4. In granting a COA for demolition of any building, the MPC or the Preservation Officer may impose such reasonable and additional stipulations as will best fulfill the purposes of this Ordinance.
5. Demolition due to imminent threat to public safety: Any order for demolition, in whole or in part, of any contributing building due to a dangerous, hazardous or unsafe condition shall not be issued until the order has been reviewed and signed by a licensed structural engineer in the state of Georgia and the Preservation Officer.

(7)     Waivers and Variances.

1. The Preservation Officer shall have no authority to waive or vary from the requirements of this Ordinance.

b.   Where a waiver of or modification to a requirement of this Ordinance is requested, it shall be reviewed as part of the COA approval by the MPC.

c.    The MPC may waive measurable development and design standards by up to 20% during the COA review process when the Commission determines that such waiver is visually compatible with historic context.

(8)     Period of Validity. Where construction of the approved development has not commenced within one year from the date of issuance of the COA, that approval shall be deemed revoked. A single extension of this period may be granted by the Preservation Officer where no other changes in the same block face have occurred over the intervening period.

(9)     Appeals of Preservation Officer and Metropolitan Planning Commission’s Decisions. All appeals from decisions of the Preservation Officer with regard to interpretation and administration of this part shall be made to the MPC. Appeals from decisions of the MPC with regard to interpretation and administration of this ordinance shall be made to the Zoning Board of Appeals in accordance with the provisions of Section 8-3165, Appeals. Compatibility factors shall not serve as the basis of an appeal to the Zoning Board of Appeals.

(10)   Posting of property. Fifteen days in advance of the public hearing for new construction or demolition of a historic building, notice shall be posted on the premises. A sign, to be furnished by the zoning administrator, shall be erected by the applicant within ten feet of all traveled public rights-of-way to which the building abuts. Such sign(s) shall be erected to face in such a manner as may be most readily see by the public. The lower edge of the sign(s) face shall be of sufficient height so as to be read from the roadway. The sign(s) shall be weather resistant; shall have a minimum size of 30 by 40 inches and shall show the application number, a statement of the proposed date, time and place of any public hearing, and the telephone number to call for further assistance.

(11)  Removal of signs. Any such sign(s) shall be maintained at all times by the applicant until a decision on the application has been rendered by the Preservation Officer or Metropolitan Planning Commission.

(gh)  Minimum requirements for lot area and lot width for lots not served by public water and public sewers.  Except for the C-A, C-M, C-R, and R-20 zoning districts for residential lots that are not served by public water and public sewers, the following minimum requirements for lot area and lot width shall apply subject to the approval of a private water supply and/or septic tank by the city engineer:

[Sec. 8-3025(g) amended 11/21/17 (17-002807-ZA)]

Article D (Off-street Parking and Service Requirements)

Sec. 8-3090.  Exempted uses and special off-street parking requirements for specified zoning districts.

The following are exceptions from the off-street parking requirements of section 8-3089:

1. RIP-A, RIP-A1, RIP-B, RIP-B-1, RIP-C, RIP-D and R-B-C-I districts.  Within the Historic District, as described in section 8-3030, or for properties zoned RIP-B that are larger than 1.5 acres and located adjacent to the Savannah Historic District, but not to include the West River Street Area, as described in (e) below, residential uses within the RIP-A, RIP-A1, RIP-B, RIP-B-1, RIP-C, RIP-D and R-B-C-I districts zoning districts, shall provide off-street parking as follows:

1. New dwelling unit construction.  One off-street parking space per dwelling unit.

(2)     Subdividing or conversion of an existing structure to add residential dwelling units.

1. Subdividing of an existing residential dwelling structure into one or more additional dwelling units.  One off-street parking space shall be provided for each such dwelling unit added.

b.   Subdividing or conversion of an existing nonresidential structure for residential dwelling purposes.  One off-street parking space shall be provided for each dwelling unit created.

c.   Required off-street parking shall be provided in all cases as follows:

1. All required off-street parking shall be provided within the rear yard. Where such parking cannot be provided in the rear yard and where not more than two units exist on the parcel, one on-street parking space per each 18 linear feet of lot frontage (up to a maximum of two spaces) may be counted toward the required number of off-street parking spaces, provided that such space is located directly in front of and on the same side of the street as the use in question, along a public street where on-street parking is permitted.
2. Where the required off-street parking cannot be so accommodated, the zoning board of appeals shall be authorized to grant a variance from all or a portion of the required off-street parking upon one of the following findings. Such findings shall be in addition to the required findings to be made for a variance as set forth elsewhere in this chapter:

(i)      An alternative location of off-street parking proposed on the site (other than in the rear yard) has been determined by the historic review board to be appropriate to the character of the historic district; or

(ii)     The developer shall provide a land use parking study which shows to the satisfaction of the city traffic engineer that the following condition can be met: The requested variance would not increase the ratio between the number of dwellings within the block face area the parcel is located and the number of parking spaces within the block face area (off-street spaces dedicated to residential purposes plus on-street spaces) above 1.0.

d.   All residential structures in a multifamily residential project comprised of more than 20 units, which project is restricted to housing for the elderly and/or the handicapped, shall provide one off-street parking space for every two units or portion thereof.

(b)     BC-1 district. Within the BC-1 zoning district, all uses are exempt from providing off-street parking.

(c)     B-B district. Within the historic district, all uses within the B-B zoning district are exempt from providing off-street parking.

(d)    R-M districts. Within R-M zoning districts, multifamily developments which are to be owned and operated by a church, synagogue or other religious use shall provide one-half off-street parking space per unit, provided (1) such multifamily development is intended to provide housing for members of such religious use or for elderly or handicapped persons and (2) such housing is to be located adjacent to property owned by the religious use which is available for parking.

(e)     West River Street Area.  The West River Street Area as seen in Map 1 is defined as all properties bounded by West Bay Street, West River Street, Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Warner Street.

[No change to (e).]

(f)     B-C and B-G districts. Within the boundaries of the Historic District, as described in section 8-3030, but not to include the West River Street Area as described in (e) above, a minimum of one off-street parking space per dwelling unit is required when there are no more than two bedrooms.  For three or more bedrooms, a minimum of 1.5 off-street parking spaces is required.

SECTION 2: That the requirement of Section 8-3182(f) of said Code and the law in such cases made and provided has been satisfied.  That an opportunity for a public hearing was afforded anyone having an interest or property right which may have been affected by this zoning amendment, said notice being published in the Savannah Morning News on the 19^th day of December, 2018, a copy of said notice being attached hereto and made a part hereof.

            SECTION 3:  Upon the effective date of the ordinance all ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.

ADOPTED AND APPROVED: JANUARY 31, 2019

Ordinance read for the first time in Council January 31, 2019, then by unanimous consent of Council read a second time, placed upon its passage, adopted and approved upon a motion by Alderwoman Shabazz, seconded by Alderman Hall, and unanimously carried.

AN ORDINANCE

To Be Entitled

AN ORDINANCE TO REZONE CERTAIN PROPERTY FROM AN R-A-CO (RESIDENTIAL-AGRICULTURE-COUNTY) ZONING DISTRICT TO A PDR (PLANNED DEVELOPMENT-RECLAMATION) ZONING DISTRICT IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE GENERAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTIONS 8-3031 AND 8-3042; TO REPEAL ALL OTHER ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

BE IT ORDAINED by the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah, Georgia, in a regular meeting of Council assembled and pursuant to lawful authority thereof:

SECTION 1:  The following described property, 1150 Fort Argyle Road, be rezoned from its present R-A-CO Zoning District to a P-D-R Zoning District:

Commencing from a point [X: 916246.155002 & Y: 742071.599165], located at the approximate intersection of Fort Argyle Road & Tillman Carter Road,

Thence proceeding in a SE direction [S 38-29-59 E] along the approximate centerline of Fort Argyle Road for an estimated distance of 175.1 ft. to a point,

Thence proceeding in a NE direction [N 2-40-48 E] along a line for an estimated distance of 1,556.96 ft. to a point [X: 916428.443015 & Y: 743489.186885], said point being, THE POINT OF BEGINNING

Thence continuing in a NE direction [N 2-50-15 E] along a line for an estimated distance of 1,485.9 ft. to a point,

Thence continuing in a NE direction [N 1-57-12 E] along a line for an estimated distance of 583.4 ft. to a point,

Thence proceeding in a SE direction [S 88-4-42 E] along a line for an estimated distance of 453.2 ft. to a point,

Thence proceeding in a SE direction [S 27-40-4 E] along a line for an estimated distance of 339.1 ft. to a point,

Thence proceeding in a NE direction [N 64-16-53 E] along a line for an estimated distance of 828.9 ft. to a point,

Thence proceeding in a NE direction [N 68-53-47 E] along a line for an estimated distance of 167.5 ft. to a point,

Thence proceeding in a SE direction [S 43-32-13 E] along a line for an estimated distance of 618.6 ft. to a point,

Thence proceeding in a NE direction [N 16-34-33 E] along a line for an estimated distance of 695.6 ft. to a point,

Thence proceeding in a SE direction [S 69-36-9 E] along a line for an estimated distance of 1,641.6 ft. to a point,

Thence proceeding in a SW direction [S 40-36-41 W] along a line for an estimated distance of 2,125.8 ft. to a point,

Thence proceeding in a NW direction [N 54-38-7 W] along a line for an estimated distance of 68.3 ft. to a point,

Thence proceeding in a SW direction [S 41-54-25 W] along a line for an estimated distance of 918.0 ft. to a point,

Thence proceeding in a NW direction [N 89-10-5 W] along a line for an estimated distance of 850.6 ft. to a point,

Thence proceeding in a NW direction [N 70-55-20 W] along a line for an estimated distance of 208.9 ft. to a point,

Thence proceeding in a NW direction [N 61-48-14 W] along a line for an estimated distance of 759.7 ft. to a point [X: 916428.443015 & Y: 743489.186885], said point being, THE POINT OF BEGINNING

The property is further identified by the Property Identification Numbers (PINs) as follows:

PINs: 2-1037 -01-001.

SECTION 2:  That the subject parcels be rezoned in conjunction with Exhibit A, which is the general development plan entitled “Lewis 204 Exhibit” dated November 14, 2018, as required by Sections 8-3031 and 8-3042, a copy of which is attached hereto and made a part hereof by this reference.  The general development plan, currently in review under Site Development Permit No. 18-09437-SITE and Plan No. 18-005960-PLAN, is hereby approved after a public hearing in accordance with Sections 8-3031 and 8-3042;

SECTION 3:  That the requirements of Section 8-3182(f)(2) of said Code and the law in such cases made and provided has been satisfied.  An opportunity for a public hearing was afforded anyone having an interest or property right which may have been affected by this zoning amendment, said notice being published in the Savannah Morning News, on the 30^th day of November, 2018, a copy of said notice being attached hereto and made a part hereof.

SECTION 4: All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.

EFFECTIVE DATE:  This ordinance shall be effective as of the date hereof.

ADOPTED AND APPROVED: JANUARY 31, 2019

2019 CITY OF SAVANNAH MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS RESOLUTION

A RESOLUTION  FOR THE 2019 CITY OF SAVANNAH MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS, SETTING THE QUALIFYING FEE AND APPROVING CONTRACTING WITH THE CHATHAM COUNTY ELECTIONS BOARD TO CONDUCT THE ELECTION.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah that the Municipal Election for the Offices of Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah will be held Tuesday, November 5, 2019 to fill all vacancies for Mayor, Aldermen at Large Posts 1 and 2, and Aldermanic Districts 1 through 6. The qualifying fee is 3% of the total gross salary of the elected official’s salary paid in the preceding calendar year including all supplements authorized by law.

BE IF FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Clerk of Council notifies the Chatham County Elections Board that the City of Savannah authorizes a contract with them to conduct the election.     

ADOPTED AND APPROVED: JANUARY 31, 2019 upon motion of Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Durrence, and unanimously carried.

RESOLUTION

STATE OF GEORGIA

COUNTY OF CHATHAM

WHEREAS, at the regular meeting of the Mayor and Alderman of the City of Savannah, Georgia, held on the 31^st day of January 2019, a motion was made, duly seconded, and unanimously adopted that the City of Savannah supports the Georgia Department of Natural Resources grant application for a Savannah Citywide Historic Neighborhood Survey, Phase III Part B. The grant budget is $17,000 with $8,058 from the Federal government, $2,686 from the City of Savannah, $2,686 from Historic Savannah Foundation, and $3,570 in-kind for grant project management by staff.

ADOPTED AND APPROVED: JANUARY 31, 2019 upon motion of Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderwoman Shabazz, and unanimously carried.

Approved upon motion of Alderman Durrence, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried per the City Manager’s recommendation.

Approved upon motion of Alderman Durrence, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried per the City Manager’s recommendation.

Approved upon motion of Alderman Durrence, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried per the City Manager’s recommendation.

Approved upon motion of Alderman Durrence, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried per the City Manager’s recommendation.

Approved upon motion of Alderman Durrence, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried per the City Manager’s recommendation.

Approved upon motion of Alderman Durrence, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried per the City Manager’s recommendation.

Approved upon motion of Alderman Durrence, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried per the City Manager’s recommendation.

Approved upon motion of Alderman Durrence, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried per the City Manager’s recommendation.

Approved upon motion of Alderman Durrence, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried per the City Manager’s recommendation.

Approved upon motion of Alderman Durrence, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried per the City Manager’s recommendation.

Approved upon motion of Alderman Durrence, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried per the City Manager’s recommendation.

Approved upon motion of Alderman Durrence, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried per the City Manager’s recommendation.

Approved upon motion of Alderman Durrence, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried per the City Manager’s recommendation.

Approved upon motion of Alderman Durrence, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried per the City Manager’s recommendation.

Approved upon motion of Alderman Durrence, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried per the City Manager’s recommendation.

Approved upon motion of Alderman Durrence, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried per the City Manager’s recommendation.

Approved upon motion of Alderman Durrence, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried per the City Manager’s recommendation.

Approved upon motion of Alderman Durrence, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried per the City Manager’s recommendation.

Approved upon motion of Alderman Durrence, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried per the City Manager’s recommendation.

Approved upon motion of Alderman Durrence, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried per the City Manager’s recommendation.

Approved upon motion of Alderman Durrence, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried per the City Manager’s recommendation.

Approved upon motion of Alderman Durrence, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried per the City Manager’s recommendation.

Approved upon motion of Alderman Durrence, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried per the City Manager’s recommendation.

Approved upon motion of Alderman Hall, seconded by Alderman Durrence, and unanimously carried per the City Manager’s recommendation.

Approved upon motion of Alderwoman Shabazz, seconded by Alderman Miller, and unanimously carried per the City Manager’s recommendation.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Alderwoman Bell announced that she had been asked to serve on a focus group with Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) to establish a 501c3 nonprofit for GMA to provide funds to member cities to initiate new projects.

Alderwoman Shabazz invited citizens of the Fifth District to two town hall meetings in February: Tuesday, February 26^th at 6:30 p.m. at Mosaic Church, 7 Canebrake Road; and Wednesday, February 27^th at 6:30 p.m. at the Liberty City Center, 1401 Mills B. Lane Boulevard.

There being no further business, Mayor DeLoach declared this meeting of Council adjourned.

The video recording of the Council meeting can be found by copying and pasting the below link in your url:

https://savannahgovtv.viebit.com/player.php?hash=SDJBJEdxE2fw