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Fannin County commissioners approve multiple setback variances, table Kaufman request for field inspection
Summary
The Fannin County Board of Commissioners granted three setback variances for private building sites after staff reported site issues resolved, and tabled a Kaufman request for a 10-foot setback on Hemlock Trail pending a field inspection and safety review.
The Fannin County Board of Commissioners approved three separate variance requests for residential building setbacks and tabled one request after commissioners raised safety concerns and asked staff to inspect the site.
The board approved a variance for Lakefront Properties LLC to place a house 20 feet from the centerline of Channing Circle after staff reported a septic-related issue had been resolved. The board also approved requests to place a home 30 feet from the center of Hemlock Trail and to place a home 40 feet from the center of Campbell Camp Circle (lot 7). Commissioners said the Campbell Camp Circle lot was unique given septic siting and represented the only feasible house location.
The board tabled a separate variance request for property listed in the names of Susan Kaufman and a related family trust. Kaufman told the board she was concerned about vehicle safety because the proposed structure would sit about 10 feet from the road on a dead-end circle shared by roughly six to eight homes. Commissioners said they shared that safety concern and voted to send a field inspector to the site and revisit the item at the next regular meeting.
Why it matters: setback variances change how close structures may be built to public roadways and can affect sightlines and vehicle safety on narrow or dead-end roads. Commissioner remarks during the Kaufman item emphasized immediate safety questions — not code interpretation — and the board sought a site visit before making a final decision.
Details of the approved and tabled items
- Lakefront Properties LLC (Channing Circle): variance to build 20 feet from the center of Channing Circle. Staff indicated a septic issue that had been delaying the request was resolved. The board approved the variance. (Vote recorded as unanimous on the record.)
- Logan and Pits (Hemlock Trail): variance to build 30 feet from the center of Hemlock Trail; commissioners expressed no objection and approved the request. (Vote recorded as unanimous on the record.)
- Derek Lou Lewis and Mercy Anne (Campbell Camp Circle, lot 7): variance to build 40 feet from the center of Campbell Camp Circle; board approved after staff said the lot’s septic constraints made the requested location the only feasible option. (Vote recorded as unanimous on the record.)
- Susan Kaufman (Hemlock Trail, family trust parcels): variance to build 10 feet from the road. Kaufman and other nearby residents said the parcel sits on a dead-end circle shared by family-owned lots (roughly six to eight homes). Commissioners said backing clearances and sightlines raised safety concerns. The board voted to table the item and send a field inspector to evaluate alternatives before returning the item to the agenda.
Speakers and process notes: Commissioners discussed septic feasibility and sightline/safety issues during public testimony on the Kaufman item. Multiple commissioners voiced support for a site visit and unanimous action was recorded on the approved variances.
What’s next: The Kaufman variance will be revisited at the board’s next regular meeting after a field inspection. The other approved variances may proceed per local permitting processes.
