Commission approves small Hardy Avenue rezoning with 60-day compliance condition

The Mainland Planning Commission voted 6-0 on March 3 to recommend approval of ZM-26-1, a rezoning of a 0.183-acre portion of a 0.47-acre parcel at 3721 Hardy Avenue from General Industrial (GI) to R-6 (single-family residential) to allow residential use and an expansion of the owner’s existing house.

Stephanie Leaf, Planning and Zoning Director, explained the parcel contains multiple lots of record and an abandoned alley previously approved for abandonment by the Board of Commissioners in September 2025; staff recommended a condition that, if the Board approves the rezoning, the property be brought into compliance with R-6 permitted uses within 60 days.

Applicant David Dowdy (Jackson Survey) said the owner plans to combine lots and add an extension and pool to his residence; a small existing shed could remain as an accessory building if the parcels are combined. A local builder, Mark Monroe, spoke in support, calling the owner "an outstanding citizen" and urging commissioners to approve the request.

Commissioners first moved to approve as submitted, then opted to modify the motion to add staff's recommended compliance condition; the modified motion passed 6-0. The advisory recommendation, including the 60-day compliance requirement, will be forwarded to the Glynn County Board of Commissioners for final action.