Council approves first reading to rezone 403 Donaldson Road to legalize duplex

The East Ridge City Council approved the first reading of Ordinance 1246 to rezone 403 Donaldson Road (tax map 156E-L-007.01) from R1 single-family to R2 duplex residential, restoring the property’s duplex classification and making it a conforming use under the municipal zoning code.

Planning staff (Mr. How) told the council the duplex is currently a legal nonconforming use because earlier zoning changes left the structure out of conformity; rezoning will allow the existing duplex to be rebuilt as a duplex if it is damaged and brought into compliance with current rules. The staff report noted there are three other duplexes nearby that are likewise nonconforming.

Council member Kaggel asked whether the lot could reasonably be subdivided to add another duplex; Mr. How said he had no indication the applicant planned to subdivide and reviewed frontage and lot-size technical requirements.

During discussion, Council member Kaggel moved to amend the ordinance to add a restriction preventing short-term vacation rental use of the property. The amendment failed for lack of a second. The council then voted to approve the rezoning on first reading.

Vote: Vice Mayor Tyler — yes; Council member Kaggel — no; Council member Wit — yes; Mayor Williams — yes. Ordinance 1246 passed first reading and will return for the required second reading before final adoption.

What happens next: The rezoning moves to second reading on the council’s next scheduled meeting; any proposed subdivision or change of use (including rental licensing) would require separate permits and approvals.