The Columbia County Planning Commission on Aug. 21, 2025 recommended approval of a variance to reduce side and rear setbacks so that an existing shed can remain at 725 Harrington Drive, with conditions addressing easement encroachment and future reconstruction.
Planner Dylan Douglas explained staff’s review: the shed sits within a stormwater utility easement and was built closer to the side and rear lot lines than the owner had intended. Douglas said that the stormwater department required an easement-encroachment agreement and building standards required that “this structure can’t be expanded” while it remains within the setback. He told the commission that “provided that these conditions are met, staff is comfortable with approving this request.”
The building-permit application originally showed the shed would be six feet from lot lines and thus compliant; a subsequent site survey showed it was built less than four feet from the side lot line and less than five feet from the rear lot line, creating the need for a variance. The applicant’s surveyor, Berkey Eyre, confirmed the encroachment and said the property owner had worked with the homeowners association; the HOA submitted a letter of support on record.
The commission moved to recommend approval with conditions: (1) an easement-encroachment agreement must be executed with the county’s stormwater utility; (2) the existing shed may not be expanded while it remains within the reduced setbacks; and (3) if the structure is destroyed it must be reconstructed in a location that complies with the five-foot setbacks. The motion passed by voice/hand raise.
The variance is a recommendation to the county board; any encroachment agreement and reconstruction requirements will be enforced according to the county’s permitting and easement policies.