Board approves St. Simons renovation despite site-coverage questions after homeowner cites terminal illness

St. Simons Island, Glynn County — The Board of Appeals on Nov. 13 approved a variance concerning a 1924 home at 732 Ocean Boulevard after a protracted discussion over site coverage, hardscape calculations and a homeowner’s medical hardship.

Staff presentation and recommendation: Planning staff (Niecy Carroll) told the board the applicant requested a variance under Glynn County zoning ordinance section 705 to bring an existing nonconforming structure into compliance and to modify the kitchen and add a bedroom and bath. Staff said the submitted site-coverage calculation listed 49.28% coverage but flagged that hardscape areas—driveways, pavers, patios and pools—appeared to be excluded from that calculation and therefore the actual coverage could be higher. Staff recommended approving the application to…