Alpharetta board approves variance to allow pool 10 feet from rear property line at 1600 Briar Chute

The Alpharetta Board of Zoning Appeals on Oct. 12 approved a variance to reduce the required swimming-pool rear setback from 20 feet to 10 feet for the property at 1600 Briar Chute in the Briarfield subdivision.

City planning staff told the board the reduction is being recommended because the lot is a corner parcel and the subdivision plat contains an incorrect, larger side-corner setback that limited the house placement and accessory space. "Staff is recommending approval of the applicant's request to reduce the rear setback from 20 foot to 10 foot for the swimming pool," Mr. Woodman, a city planning staff member, told the board.

The property is zoned R-15 and is developed with a two-story, roughly 2,600-square-foot detached home on about one-third of an acre, staff said. The applicant, Georgia Classic Pools, requested the variance so the homeowner could install a pool and deck in the rear yard; staff said no tree removal would be required for the construction and that the applicant provided letters of support from neighbors and the Briarfield homeowners association.

The board approved the variance with one condition: the swimming pool must be built as shown on the submitted site plan, with the 10-foot rear setback. The motion to approve was made and seconded by board members whose names were not stated on the record; the transcript records the board voting to approve but does not record a numerical tally. There was no public comment on the item.

Ashley Dover, representing Georgia Classic Pools, and homeowner Kevin Kennedy were present and available to answer questions. No additional conditions, tree removals, or alternate site layouts were imposed during the hearing.

The variance application was filed as B-2505 (Kennedy, 1600 Briar Chute). The board did not indicate follow-up tasks or appeals during the meeting.