It is the intent of this overlay to create a gateway to the City of Brunswick which highlights images of coastal scenery and development along U.S. Highway 17 from Spur 25 to the Sidney Lanier and improves the visual and physical condition along this section of U.S. 17. This section of roadway is commonly referred to as "Glynn Avenue."

This corridor is deemed by the city commission to be important because so many visitors get their first impression of Brunswick while driving along U.S. 17 entering the city. The scenic vistas of the marsh, creeks and rivers are now only partially visible along the corridor. The visual quality of the corridor must not be further degraded by future development and clutter.

(Ord. No. 1081, 9-20-2023)

Generally, all lots fronting U.S. 17 from Spur 25 to the Sidney Lanier Bridge are included in the overlay district. Any property outside the district boundary which is combined, whether through a lot combination or for master planning purposes, with a property within the district boundary shall also comply with these guidelines.

(Ord. No. 1081, 9-20-2023)

The guidelines for future development within the U.S. 17 overlay district are contained in the Glynn Avenue Design Framework, adopted by the City of Brunswick Board of Commissioners and incorporated by reference in section 23-23-7.

These guidelines shall be the exclusive guidelines for development of property within the U.S. 17 overlay district. Property owners within the overlay district may submit development plans in accordance with the provisions of this Code for review by the director of planning, development and codes to determine if the owner(s) have followed the appropriate guidelines contained in the Glynn Avenue Design Framework. Plans complying with the standards of this Code shall follow the appeals procedure set forth in article XXVI.

(Ord. No. 1081, 9-20-2023)

All uses permitted in the underlying zoning district shall be permitted in the U.S. 17 overlay.

(Ord. No. 1081, 9-20-2023)

All uses permitted on a conditional basis and subject to the conditions set forth in the underlying zone district shall be permitted on a conditional basis in the U.S. 17 overlay subject to the conditions set forth in section 23-26-4.

(Ord. No. 1081, 9-20-2023)

(a)

Existing buildings and appurtenances that do not conform to the provisions of this Code may continue in the same use and form until a substantial modification occurs or is requested, at which time the planning director shall determine the provisions of this section that shall apply.

(b)

Existing buildings that have at any time received a certificate of occupancy shall not require upgrade to the current building code and when renovated may meet the standards of the code under which they were originally permitted.

(c)

The modification of existing buildings is permitted by right if such changes result in greater conformance with the specifications of this Code.

(d)

Where buildings exist on adjacent lots, the planning director may require that a proposed building match one or the other of the adjacent setbacks and heights rather than the provisions of this Code.

(e)

The restoration or rehabilitation of an existing building shall not require the provision of; (1) parking in addition to that existing; or (2) on-site stormwater retention/detention in addition to that existing. Existing parking requirements that exceed those for this Code may be reduced as provided by in section 4.3 of the Overlay Code.

(Ord. No. 1081, 9-20-2023)

A copy of the approved "Glynn Avenue Design Framework" is incorporated herein by reference and shall be maintained and available for inspection in the offices of the City of Brunswick Planning Department.

The "Glynn Avenue Design Framework" shall be the design guidelines which an owner(s) must follow in a concept plan and all associated design and development criteria submitted to the director of planning, development and codes for review and approval (See section 23-26-5 for concept plan submission requirements). Plans and design criteria submitted must demonstrate how the proposed project design meet the guidelines contained in the Glynn Avenue Design Framework.

(Ord. No. 1081, 9-20-2023)