Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Accessory Structures topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
BZA recommends 5-foot pool setback in Crestwind despite neighborhood runoff concerns; Commissioners will decide Aug. 19
Summary
The Board of Zoning Appeals recommended approval of variance 25-014 to allow a 15x30 in-ground pool five feet from a house at 56 Ballyfin Way (a 5-foot reduction from the 10-foot separation requirement), citing a rear 20-foot drainage easement that limits buildable area; the Board of Commissioners will hear the matter on Aug. 19, 2025.
The Coweta County Board of Zoning Appeals on June 26, 2025 recommended approval of variance petition 25-014 from Edward Benizzi to place a 15-by-30-foot in-ground pool five feet from the principal dwelling at 56 Ballyfin Way in the Crestwind Subdivision.
Staff presenting the petition said the property is approximately 0.25 acres and that a 20-foot drainage easement at the rear of the lot constrains where the pool can be sited; the ordinance (Article 4, section 47) requires accessory structures such as pools be at least 10 feet from the principal building, and the applicant requested a 5-foot separation. Staff recommended two conditions if the board recommended approval: that the pool be no closer than 5 feet from the principal dwelling and that the applicant comply with all applicable building permits and inspections.
Applicant Edward Benizzi told the board his builder had misinterpreted the easement/setback calculation during home construction; Benizzi said the community had otherwise approved a pool on the lot and that a larger 15x30 pool has exercise and value benefits. Immediate neighbors Michelle and Ron Brouski and neighbor Belinda Smith spoke in support, saying the applicants had communicated plans and that the pool would not harm neighborhood quality. Staff reported an anonymous letter and three anonymous phone calls from residents expressing concerns about water runoff and small yards but no named opposition speakers appeared at the podium.
Board Member 3 moved to recommend approval of the variance with the two staff-recommended conditions and Board Member 12 seconded; the board voted by voice to recommend approval. Board members noted concern about setting a precedent for many similar pool variances in large developments but approved this request given the lot’s drainage easement and staff conditions. The recommendation will be considered by the Board of Commissioners on Aug. 19, 2025 for the final decision.
