The Athens City Planning Commission on Oct. 1 approved the Title 41 application for the Hue White Honda redevelopment (case 25-07), contingent on the property’s annexation into the city and completion of staff-requested conditions.

During the hearing, planning staff reported that the developer is responding to comments from fire and utilities departments and that the annexation of a triangular parcel remains in progress. Dustin Todd of Archall Architects said the team will split the site into two lots, place one building on each lot, and address unstable soils by bringing in fill this fall and winter to pre‑consolidate the site so it will be ready for spring construction.

Todd told the commission they have state building-permit approval and expect the annexation request to be before city council the following Monday; he asked whether some site work could begin before annexation is finalized. Staff clarified that utility connections cannot be made until annexation is complete, and the commission noted annexation requires council action across three readings.

Commissioners also asked about flood-map and tree impacts. Todd said the team has coordinated with the Shade Tree Commission and that the proposed fill will not affect protected trees around the proposed retention pond; he also confirmed the project was evaluated using the latest flood maps.

The commission’s motion approved the Title 41 application ‘‘with the contingency that annexation occur in the regular order’’ and that the developer respond to all staff comments. The motion passed unanimously.

Next steps: the developer will pursue annexation at city council and return to staff with any outstanding responses to utility and fire comments; construction work requiring utility service must wait until annexation is recorded.