Council denies front/rear yard setback variance; staff said no hardship justified relief
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Summary
The council voted to deny a request for front and rear yard setback variances that would have allowed construction of a single‑family residence; staff had recommended denial because the layout and floor plan were applicant choices.
The Dawsonville City Council voted July 21 to deny a front and rear yard setback variance sought to build a single‑family residence, concluding staff correctly found no exceptional hardships to support the relief. Planning staff told the council the site layout and chosen floor plan were the applicant’s decisions and did not demonstrate the extraordinary conditions required for a variance.
During the public hearing on the request, a city planning staff member summarized the staff analysis and advised the council that the required hardship standard had not been met. Council member Eells moved to deny the variance; Council member Phillips seconded. The motion carried and the council recorded the denial.
Staff did not identify any specific regulatory or environmental impediment that would force the proposed house to violate the setback rules; rather, staff described the placement and floor plan as choices the applicant could change to comply. The council’s action was a final decision on the request at the July 21 meeting.
The denial means the applicant may revise the site plan or building design and submit a new application that meets setback requirements or presents documentation of hardship that meets the variance standard.