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Council approves variance for 522 Viridian View after staff data-entry error found
Summary
Council unanimously approved a variance allowing a 2.2-foot side-setback encroachment at 522 Viridian View after staff identified a historic zoning/data-entry discrepancy; applicant and homeowner said neighbors supported the variance.
Peachtree City council voted unanimously to grant a variance allowing a 2.2-foot encroachment into the standard 10-foot side setback at 522 Viridian View in the Plantera subdivision.
City planning staff explained the request arose after an "as-built" foundation survey showed a 7.8-foot setback. Staff traced the problem to a historical data-entry error in the city's property records: tax-assessor codes had previously been imported as zoning codes and some properties were not corrected during a manual conversion. The discrepancy prevented final inspections until the variance was approved.
Applicant Tim Harper, a local builder, told the council the original permit drawings showed a 10.2-foot setback based on information he received from the city. He said the contractor relied on that guidance and that neighbors on both sides submitted letters of support. Homeowner Mark Stroller said he had been given mixed verbal guidance at the building office and characterized the issue as an honest mistake.
Council members questioned why a survey had not been obtained before construction; staff and the applicant responded that a survey was not required for the permit and that the city had provided contradictory setback information during the review process. Given the administrative error and neighbor support, council approved the variance to avoid requiring the homeowner to move or demolish the new accessory building.
What happens next: The variance was approved by voice vote and the building permit process will continue with the as-built accepted under the variance.
