Smyrna variance board approves five variances, including three for Antler Trail pool and pool house

The Smyrna Licensing Variance Board unanimously approved five variance requests at its April 23 meeting, including three for 4107 Antler Trail that allow a reduced northern side setback, a second accessory structure, and a rise in impervious surface to permit an in-ground pool and decking.

The board, chaired by Richard Garland, community services administrator for the city of Smyrna, heard staff presentations from Caitlin Crow, Planner I in Community Development, and engineering comments from Clara Hodges before taking votes. Crow described the Antler Trail property as “almost a half acre” in the Deerwood subdivision and said the applicants, Jessica and Howard Kalin, plan a full renovation of the house, a rear addition and an in-ground pool; the existing detached garage would be renovated into a pool house.

Nut graf: The three variances for 4107 Antler Trail were approved with standard conditions intended to address stormwater and long‑term use. Staff recommended approval because the existing house orientation and prior development create the need for a modest setback reduction and because engineering recommended a paver storage/infiltration system to mitigate the increase in impervious surface.

Staff said the northern setback reduction request is to reduce the required 10 feet to 7.1 feet to allow a rear addition that follows the house’s existing angle. Crow said the increase in impervious surface from the 35% maximum to 41.7% equals roughly 400 square feet and that the applicants propose a paver storage and infiltration system under the pool decking to offset runoff. Clara Hodges of the engineering department explained, “The paver storage system will, pretty much functioned exactly as your typical infiltration trench. There will be gravel storage beneath the pavers and they are also proposing to pipe their roof drains into that system as well to lessen the amount of impervious surface that is running off.” Hodges said the engineering department’s support is conditioned on a recorded stormwater inspection and maintenance agreement and submission of a stormwater as-built certification prior to issuance of the pool permit.

The board placed six stipulations on the Kalin approvals: substantial compliance with the submitted site plan and elevations; a recorded stormwater inspection and maintenance agreement filed with the Cobb County Superior Court before the pool permit is issued; submission of a stormwater as-built certification to Community Development before the pool certificate of completion; a prohibition on installing an oven or stove in the accessory structure unless the applicant obtains a separate variance for a second kitchen; a prohibition on renting the accessory structure for gain except as permitted under Chapter 22 for short-term rentals; and that these conditions run with the property and apply to future owners.

In other business the board approved a variance request to permit new construction on a substandard lot at 1181 Medland Street submitted by Harold Shoemaker. Crow said the 0.31-acre parcel predates Smyrna’s zoning ordinance (which staff said was implemented in 1976), and that replacing the existing home and removing a nonconforming detached garage and driveway would bring the lot closer to current R-15 standards. Staff recommended approval with the standard condition of substantial compliance with the submitted elevations and site plan; the motion passed unanimously.

The board also approved a front-setback reduction for a quasi-corner lot at 945 Sharon Circle. Applicant David Garnett told the board he agreed to the staff stipulation to build a covered front porch; staff noted the house was an original 1925 structure and that similar variances had been approved nearby in 1998. That motion passed unanimously.

The board approved the April 9, 2025 meeting minutes without discussion and concluded the session.

Votes at a glance: - V25-036 (4107 Antler Trail): Reduce northern side setback from 10 ft to 7.1 ft — Approved (unanimous). - V25-037 (4107 Antler Trail): Allow second accessory structure — Approved (unanimous). - V25-048 (4107 Antler Trail): Increase impervious surface from 35% to 41.7% — Approved (unanimous). - V25-040 (1181 Medland Street): New construction on lot of record below minimum requirements — Approved (unanimous). - V25-043 (945 Sharon Circle): Reduce front setback from 35 ft to 25.6 ft — Approved (unanimous).

Board members present included Richard Garland, Beau Jones and Andrea Worthy. Applicants present included Jessica and Howard Kalin, Harold Shoemaker and David Garnett. Community Development staff noted recording and inspection requirements tied to the Antler Trail pool permit.

Ending: The board did not receive public comment on these items at the hearing and directed staff to proceed with permit review and required recordings and certifications where applicable.