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Board denies variance for unpermitted accessory building on Grayson Lane after neighbor objections
Summary
Commissioners voted to deny variance P25‑0047, which would have allowed a metal accessory building to encroach into a 40‑foot rear setback. Staff recommended denial because the structure was erected without permits and the hardship was created by the owner; neighbors reported multiple unpermitted structures and encroaching driveway concerns.
The Oconee County Board of Commissioners denied a variance request on Nov. 4 to permit an accessory metal building to encroach 32.6 feet into a required 40‑foot rear setback at 1230 Grayson Lane.
Planning staff told the board the structure was constructed without permits and, under the UDC standard for special‑exception variances, a property owner‑created hardship weighs against approval; staff recommended denial. The applicant, Jarell (Jerry) Goolsbee, said the building was installed for his 75‑year‑old father’s storage after they were told by the contractor the structure did not require a permit and that they later applied for the variance once the stop‑work order prompted review.
Several neighbors urged denial. Lisa Clay described multiple unpermitted expansions at the site — a large deck, pool and an industrial‑style garage — and said the unpermitted structures reduced neighborhood quality and property values. Lynn Jones said the driveway borders her property and asked the board to uphold permit rules. James Clay and others also urged denial and emphasized fairness and code compliance.
The applicant said a permit for the deck was later secured and that the metal building has no electricity or plumbing and was used for storage; he said the older barn on the parcel is deteriorating, and the new structure was intended to replace it for safety reasons. Planning staff noted the garage lacked a permit and a complete permit application had not been approved because environmental health approval and the variance were outstanding.
Commissioners voted to deny variance P25‑0047. The denial restates that the hardship was created by constructing an unpermitted structure and that applicable setback requirements were not demonstrated to be impossible to meet.
