The City of South Fulton Zoning Board of Appeals voted on Nov. 20 to approve variance V25-0152820 at 2820 Brookford Lane, allowing a rear setback encroachment so the homeowner can expand a master bedroom and bathroom to accommodate mobility needs.

City staff told the board the application had been advertised as a 19-foot encroachment and that, under the city's hardship criteria (section 808.09), staff found no qualifying hardship and recommended denial. City staff also briefed the board on the advertised scope of the request and the need to follow notice and documentation rules.

Greer Geiger, the property owner, said the planned addition would be about 13'to 15 feet rearward and that the existing master bathroom is only 5 by 7 feet and "I can't access it with my wheelchair or my walker," making the space unsafe and unusable. Geiger said the work will create room for separate tub, shower and toilet spaces and allow installation of grab bars. Geiger also said the HOA president, Jennifer Thompson, had "signed off" verbally and that neighbors had not objected. Contractor Ike Dindy told the board the work would be largely from the existing structure and would not be visually prominent from neighboring properties.

During questioning, board members pressed for documentation and clarity about the advertised encroachment versus the actual scope. Staff and the applicant confirmed the application listed 19 feet but the proposed construction would not go back that far; the contractor and applicant described the build as roughly 13'to 15 feet. Staff asked whether the applicant wanted the board to consider hardship under the city's criteria; the applicant described the house as "grossly inadequate" and said the addition addressed both general inadequacy and accessibility needs. Geiger also said a one-month deferral would cause financial strain, estimating the delay would cost her about $2,500 in rent and storage.

After discussion about neighborhood impact and the absence of opposition at the hearing, a board member moved and a second followed to close questions and act. The chair announced the ayes had it and staff conducted a roll call during which Mister Johnson, Doctor Blackshear and Miss Patterson were recorded as voting yes. The chair declared the variance approved and congratulated the applicant.

The board's action allows the homeowner to proceed with the proposed addition but does not itself replace required building permits or inspections. Staff will record the full roll-call vote in the official minutes and file the variance outcome in the case record.