Board of Zoning Appeals backs homeowner’s request to cover patio with reduced rear setback

The Coweta County Board of Zoning Appeals on June 26 recommended approval of a variance that would reduce the required 40-foot rear-yard building setback to 27 feet for a home at 135 Greenleaf Pass in Sharpsburg, allowing a covered roof over an existing patio. The applicant is Barbara Spivey; the variance is filed as petition 25-010 and now goes to the Board of Commissioners for final action on July 15, 2025.

Community Development staff, represented at the hearing by Miss Eschmitt, told the board the request was evaluated under the seven-factor test in Article 28 of the Coweta County Zoning and Development Ordinance and noted that the subject lot (Lot 213, Phase 2B of the Timberbrook development) is small and zoned RRCC (residential retirement community in care). Staff recommended two conditions: the roof covering the patio must not extend beyond 27 feet from the rear property line and the applicant must obtain required building permits and inspections from the Community Development Department.

Spivey addressed the board, saying her rear yard faces west and "the afternoon sun is just unbearable," explaining the practical reason she wants a porch roof. With no public opposition, a board member moved to approve the variance with the staff conditions and the motion passed by voice vote. The board chair reminded Spivey that the Board of Commissioners will consider the final decision on July 15.

If the Board of Commissioners approves the variance, the county’s permitting process and inspections will still apply before construction can begin.