Commission recommends 10‑foot front‑setback variance at Bell Tower subdivision lot

The Columbia County Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of variance VA25-0301 to reduce the front setback for a single parcel at 738 Campana Drive (Bell Tower subdivision). The recommendation will be transmitted to the Columbia County Board of Commissioners for final action on the scheduled March 18, 2025 hearing.

Planning staff presented the request and noted that 16 similar front‑setback variances have previously been granted on Kompano Drive; most of those lots now have constructed homes. Staff said the lot's rear topography slopes steeply, and the applicant wants to move the house forward 10 feet to gain usable backyard area. The parcel is in an R‑2 zoning district.

Ron Lewis (Builder, R. Lewis Construction LLC), the applicant, told the commission he owned a lot when earlier variances were considered and that the absence of this lot from the earlier approvals appeared to be an oversight. He said the existing retaining wall on the adjacent lot ends at the property line and that he may need to add a retaining wall; staff recommended a condition that any new retaining wall include separation joints so damage to one section would not adversely affect another.

A commissioner moved to recommend approval of VA25-0301, reducing the front setback at 738 Campana Drive to 45 feet from the centerline (the motion text as presented to the commission). The motion was seconded and "motion carries" was announced; the action is a recommendation to the Board of Commissioners.

Ending: Final approval of the variance will be decided by the Columbia County Board of Commissioners at the March 18, 2025 meeting.