The Rome Zoning Board of Appeals on Oct. 1 approved an area variance allowing an expansion of an attached garage at 1406 North George Street that reduces the southernmost interior side-yard setback from 10 feet to 6 feet 10 inches.

The property is in an R1-8 zone; the request involves Rome zoning code table 80-6-1, which sets a 10-foot minimum interior side setback for detached single-family dwellings. The applicants, identified in the record as Joe and Lorraine Griffo, said the expansion would create a third stall to shelter an additional vehicle and improve security and weather protection. A co-owner who spoke identified himself as Greg Griffo and described the intent to retrofit and match the existing garage.

No members of the public spoke for or against the application. The United County Department of Planning submitted a memo dated Sept. 11, 2025, that offered no recommendation. After the board reviewed the five statutory variance standards read into the record, members voted 5-0 to approve the variance. The presiding member recorded each vote in favor and advised the applicants to contact Mark Domenico in the Codes Enforcement Office to obtain required building permits before construction.

During the hearing the applicants said an existing shed on the property will be removed, and the new garage area will tie into the existing driveway and alley access. Board members confirmed that no additional curb cut was required because the property’s alley allows full driveway access. The record contains no amendments to the motion and no opposition testimony.

With the variance approved, the applicants may proceed with design and permitting but must complete the Codes Enforcement Office’s permitting process before beginning construction.