Bryan County denies homeowner’s variance request for oversized shed at 83 Roundstone Way

The Bryan County Board of Adjustments voted to deny a homeowner’s request for three variances for a backyard accessory building at 83 Roundstone Way in the Wicklow subdivision on April 15, 2025.

County planner Amanda (staff) told the board the shed — constructed without a permit — violated required side and rear setbacks and encroached on a 30-foot rear buffer; the applicant sought to reduce the side setback from 15 feet to 8 feet, the rear setback from 25 feet to 2 feet, and to encroach into the rear buffer to a minimum of 2 feet. Staff recommended denial because it found no hardship under the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) and determined the lot’s characteristics were not unique compared with other cul-de-sac lots in the neighborhood.

Resident Kevin Krueger, who said the shed is about 280 square feet and is positioned in a rear corner like many neighborhood sheds, told the board he believed the structure complied when built and that reducing it would require cutting through a window and impose substantial cost. Neighbors spoke in support, including Maria Ramos Gibbs, who said she sees the structure from her second-floor window and described it as attractive, and Scotty Huber, president of an adjoining HOA, who said approving the variance could set a precedent that undermines HOA and county setback rules.

After public comment, a motion to deny the requested variances carried. Staff advised Krueger of appeal rights and that an appeal would be heard in superior court; staff also said county staff could advise on next steps for permits or corrections.

The denial leaves the property owner with options to modify the structure to meet setbacks, seek an appeal to court, or pursue other remedies through county staff.