BZA approves pool and gazebo variances at 1235 Hopewell Crest with stormwater condition

The Milton Board of Zoning Appeals on Feb. 18 approved a two-part variance for 1235 Hopewell Crest to allow an existing gazebo that encroaches on the rear setback and to permit a pool and decking that increase lot coverage above the 20% maximum for AG-1 properties that front a public street.

Staff reported the property was purchased in September 2022 and that the existing single-family home and several backyard features (gazebo, bird pond and fountain) predate Milton’s cityhood; the home was built in 1991. City staff said the pool permit was submitted in July 2024 and construction began in early September 2024 before the permit was issued; construction stopped after the city inspector noted work. The applicant’s revised plan reduces total lot coverage from about 36.74% to a proposed 30.24% (a reduction of approximately 6.23 percentage points and about 3,210 square feet, per staff figures).

Applicant Praveen Mutiala asked the board to allow the gazebo and the existing koi pond/fountain to remain, saying removal would be costly and that both features predate cityhood. Staff and the Development Review Board recommended approval with two conditions: conformance to the variance site plan from Survey Systems Atlanta (received 01/17/2025) and that water-quality treatment be provided for all new impervious surfaces as determined by the city development engineer during permitting.

Motion and outcome: The motion to approve V25-04 (1235 Hopewell Crest) was made by Hodge Patel, seconded by Zach Stafford, and passed unanimously.

The approval reduces lot coverage overall and requires engineered water-quality mitigation for new impervious surfaces. Staff noted that retaining the fountain and bird pond would reduce only about 0.8% additional lot coverage if they were removed, and recommended both features remain because they predate cityhood.