Chatham County’s Board of Adjustment on Oct. 8 granted a variance allowing an open canopy at 701 Rosswood Road to remain within five feet of the property line, after the county determined the roofed structure did not meet the 25-foot setback for accessory buildings.

The canopy’s owner, Morgan Randall, applied for the variance after building the open canopy years earlier to cover a speedboat and later triggering a county inspection during an application for an electric-vehicle charger. Angela Plummer, Chatham County zoning administrator, told the board staff issued a notice of violation on June 21, 2024, and the variance application was filed July 17, 2024.

Why it matters: A variance changes how the zoning ordinance applies to an individual parcel and becomes part of the public record for the property. The board’s approval lets the current canopy remain but includes a condition that ordinary maintenance is allowed and that the variance expires if the structure is removed.

Board discussion and evidence: Plummer told the board the canopy appears to be an open canopy (no walls) and that the county measures setbacks from building footings while allowing up to a 3-foot eave encroachment. Randall and his spouse explained the canopy was constructed during the COVID years to protect a boat and has been in place for five to six years. “It covers the boat. It’s been in place for 5, 6 years now,” Randall said.

The applicant and his spouse described property constraints: the existing shed, well and septic repair area, and driveway access limited alternative locations for the canopy. Tanya (Randall’s spouse) said the canopy’s placement was required so household access and septic/well protections were preserved.

Motion and decision: Board member Adam Fair moved to grant the variance; Vice Chair Sandra Nettles seconded. The motion as stated by Board counsel TC Morphis granted a variance of no more than five feet from the minimum setback requirements for an open canopy and included the condition that ordinary maintenance and repair are allowed but that the variance would expire if the structure were removed or fell into disrepair. The board voted in favor and the motion passed.

What the approval does not do: The approval is limited to the canopy as shown in the record and does not grant permission for other expansions or new structures. Plummer advised the property owner to contact the building inspections division about what permits (if any) are required to verify the structure is sound.

Next steps: The variance is recorded in county files and will run with the land; future owners would be entitled to the same allowance while the variance remains in effect under the board’s condition.