Savannah Zoning Board Approves Duplex Variance

News Summary

The Savannah Zoning Board of Appeals approved a significant variance for a duplex at 1019 West 35th Street amid concerns about compliance with zoning laws and building permits. The property owned by Galin Mortgage Lending, LLC, was allowed to move forward following a unanimous vote despite initial recommendations for denial from the Savannah Metropolitan Planning Commission. This decision highlights ongoing complexities surrounding urban development regulations and the importance of adherence to established protocols.

Savannah – In a zoning board meeting held on July 25, 2025, the Savannah Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) approved an “After the Fact” variance for a duplex located at 1019 West 35th Street. This decision comes amidst ongoing concerns regarding building and occupancy permit protocols tied to the property owned by Galin Mortgage Lending, LLC.

The approval of the variance is crucial for the potential sale of the duplex, which covers an area of over 5,800 square feet and was constructed during the previous year. The property has drawn attention due to a number of procedural discrepancies, most notably the failure to comply with the original building permit requirement that specified the construction of two driveways for off-street parking. Only one driveway was constructed at the site, raising questions about adherence to local regulations.

Moreover, the Savannah Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC) initially recommended the denial of the variance. Their recommendations were based on alternative parking access via an adjacent lane and the existence of an unapproved accessory building on the property, further complicating the issue. The board questioned how a Certificate of Occupancy had been granted when it appeared to be issued without the accompanying Certificate of Appropriateness, which is typically required for such permits.

Historically, the site had hosted a duplex that was destroyed by a fire in 2014. The building plans from 2004 permitted a 10-foot setback, which limited the available space for driveways. This design flaw resulted in the duplex failing to meet public right-of-way requirements, prompting concerns from both local residents and board members about the implications of issuing permits under these conditions.

During the meeting, board chairman Stephen Merriman expressed his doubts about the sufficiency of the documentation that supported the issuance of the permits. In light of the procedural oversight, this raised eyebrows among board members regarding the compliance of the project with established zoning laws.

Jeff Notrica, chair of the local historic preservation board, mentioned that the building permit was obtained without a Certificate of Appropriateness. However, he lent support to the variance request, citing the significant investment of around $500,000 made into the property.

Concerns regarding parking were also addressed, with realtors involved in the property’s sale asserting that the dead-end street location provides ample on-street parking options. This perspective helped influence the board’s decision to approve the variance, which was ultimately voted on unanimously. Board member Plunk made the motion for approval, which was seconded by Condon, reaffirming the collective agreement on the necessity of this step for the property’s future.

As the case of the duplex at 1019 West 35th Street unfolds, it exemplifies the complexities involved in urban development regulations. Proponents of the variance underscore the importance of adapting to changing urban landscapes while remaining compliant with zoning requirements. Still, the actions taken during this process highlight the critical need for vigilant adherence to the established protocols that govern such developments.

With the variance now approved, all eyes will remain on the property as it moves forward in the transaction process, setting a potentially significant precedent for similar cases within the Savannah area.

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Additional Resources

• Savannah Business Journal: City of Savannah Issued Record Level of Building Construction Permits
• WTOC: Judge Hears Arguments Over Proposed Pool Downtown Savannah
• Connect Savannah: Property Matters – Savannah City Council Approves Crucial Permit for New Jinx
• Wikipedia: Savannah, Georgia
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Savannah