Board denies front-yard setback variance for screened porch at 115 Demerriere Circle

The Glynn County Board of Appeals denied a variance request to reduce the front-yard setback for a proposed screened porch at 115 Demerriere Circle on St. Simons Island.

County planner Niecey Carroll told the board the applicants requested a reduction from the 20-foot required front-yard setback to 14.5 feet; staff materials and a survey showed the existing house was already closer to the right-of-way in places and that the proposed porch would extend roughly 8 feet beyond the existing front, creating a greater encroachment than originally described.

Applicants Mark and Mary Umstead said they sought a small, roughly 120-square-foot screened porch to reduce mosquito exposure and make an existing patio usable. They said they had investigated other locations on the lot but were advised parts of the house and patio were too close to side setbacks.

Board members pressed for clarity on the site plan and elevations; several members said the floor plan, site plan and dimensions presented at the hearing did not line up. A member asked whether a smaller or differently sited screened area could achieve the applicants’ goals without requiring a variance. Another member said neighborhood character and the purpose of the county setback rules required caution: "These ordinances are here for a reason to protect everybody," the board member said.

After discussion a motion to deny the variance was made, seconded and approved; the chair announced the motion carried and the variance request was denied. The applicants were informed they may appeal to the Glynn County Board of Commissioners.

The board cited inconsistent submissions and the availability of alternative designs that would remain inside the setback as principal reasons for denial.