Peachtree City Council denies fence variance amid citizen communication concerns

The Peachtree City Council meeting on April 17, 2025, focused on several key issues, including a variance request denial and concerns about transparency in city communications.

The council unanimously voted to deny a variance request related to a property fence. Council members emphasized that the issue was a civil matter, suggesting that the homeowner should address the problem rather than relying on government intervention. The council agreed that the fence needed to be moved in accordance with city ordinances, and the responsibility for the fix would fall on the homeowner or the original builder.

In addition to the variance discussion, the council highlighted the upcoming Georgia Cities Week, which includes various community events such as a "Touch a Truck" day, Earth Day activities, and a Peachtree City 101 graduation. These events aim to engage residents and promote community involvement.

Concerns were raised about the transparency of city communications, particularly regarding the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) committee. Council members noted that the agenda packets provided to the public lacked sufficient information, which could hinder citizen participation. There was a call for better communication practices, including making committee discussions more accessible to the public. The council discussed the need for a dedicated webpage to share relevant documents and updates, which the UDO committee had already requested.

Lastly, a complaint was addressed regarding a scheduling issue for an administrative variance hearing. A resident expressed frustration after arriving at the wrong time due to a lack of notification about a time change. Council members acknowledged the oversight and recognized the importance of proper communication to avoid similar issues in the future.

Overall, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to addressing community concerns while also striving for improved transparency and communication with residents.