4001 Athens Hwy Madison, GA 30650-2936

residential zoning districts, except the Downtown Commercial District (C1). For C1, lot coverage remains at 100% per lot to reflect the established development pattern of shared party walls and no setbacks in the historic downtown. 570.3 Lot Coverage Reductions Proposals involving a reduction of lot coverage will not be required to address legal nonconformities. 570.4 Alternative Compliance Standards (ACS) Recognizing the unique challenges to site planning for extant non -conforming and smaller parcels, the following alternative compliance standards provide substitute methods for eligible sites to achieve the community objectives established for all property owners in this section. A. Eligible Sites. It is recognized that non-residential properties developed prior to annexation or adoption of current lot coverage limitations may have legal nonconformities, be landlocked, or face distinct redevelopment challenges given parcel sizes established under prior conditions. Therefore, alternative compliance standards can be considered for: a) lots of 3 acres and less in commercial zoning districts and lots of 15 acres and less in industrial zoning districts; b) where development for a principal use occurred prior to adoption of the 2000 Zoning Ordinance; c) where no additional land acquisition is proposed; and, d) where the total impervious area is increased by 50% or less of that which exists at the time of adoption of this ordinance, as amended. B. Definition, Review, and Methods. a) Definition of Overage. A lot coverage increase of 15% or less per lot beyond the maximum established lot coverage not to exceed 75% lot coverage. b) Administrative Review. Proposals for ACS must be submitted concurrent with plan review and require approval by the City Manager. c) Methods for Compliance. i) ACS1 | Off-Site Pervious. On property within 1,000 feet of the eligible site, a property owner can protect pervious surface area (e.g., openspace, stormwater, etc.), the acreage for which must be equal to the proposed overage, provided such acreage is not being used to meet lot coverage requirements for any other purpose. This can be demonstrated by either a recorded deed of ownership or perpetual easement and maintenance agreement. ii) ACS2 | Local Development Fund. A property owner can contribute funds to the Land Development Fund for the purpose of acquisition and protection of environmentally sensitive areas (e.g., greenspace, wetlands, etc.), the fee for which will be applied to each percentage point of the proposed overage. iii) ACS3 | Combination Proposal.