Board approves dam-repair buffer variance for Camp Trail Road site, contingent on Corps approval

The City of South Fulton Zoning Board of Appeals voted June 26 to approve a variance allowing temporary buffer encroachment to repair a community dam at 5420 Camp Trail Road, subject to pending approval from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

David Hueter, director of ecological services at United Consulting and the applicant's representative, told the board the work is necessary to rebuild the dam, restore the emergency outflow and stabilize the downstream channel. "We do qualify for a hardship here because, again, you can't do the work without getting into the buffer to repair the dam," Hueter said. He added the applicant has already obtained a Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) buffer variance for the state 25-foot riparian buffer and has applied to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for required federal permits.

Staff described the request (case V25-003) as a variance from the city's buffer and setback requirements: relief from a 75-foot undisturbed natural vegetative buffer and permission to encroach into a 25-foot non-impervious buffer for construction access and installation of the outlet control structure. City staff recommended approval. During the hearing staff clarified the variance is limited to the construction period and that the disturbed area will be graded and revegetated after work is completed.

Board members raised process questions about coordination with the Corps and other permitting; Hueter said the Corps application has been filed and the team does not anticipate denial but acknowledged the board could condition approval on Corps authorization. Commissioner O'Donnell moved to approve the variance contingent on Corps approval; the motion was seconded and passed.

Hueter described post-construction stabilization plans: the dam embankment and disturbed areas will be regraded and revegetated with grass/herbaceous cover appropriate for dam safety. "You can't plant trees on the backside of your dam," he said, noting Georgia Safe Dams guidance discourages woody vegetation on dam faces.

The board's approval allows the applicant to proceed with the engineering and permitting necessary to repair the dam, but construction may not begin until federal approvals required by the Corps are obtained and any city permit conditions are satisfied.