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Brookhaven Board of Appeals approves multiple variances, withdraws three applications
Summary
The Board of Appeals approved variances for setbacks, impervious coverage and tree removal across several properties, accepted three applicant withdrawals, and adjourned after routine business. One variance to remove a specimen water oak passed on a 3–2 vote.
Brookhaven’s Board of Appeals approved a batch of property-variance requests and accepted multiple withdrawals at its recent meeting.
The board accepted three voluntary withdrawals without prejudice early in the agenda: VAR25-00024 (diverse variances including stream-buffer and setback reductions for several Divine Circle addresses), VAR25-00028 (specimen-tree removal at 1307 Mayfair Drive) and VAR25-00030 (specimen-tree removal at 1194 Chambord/Shambord Way). In each case the applicant submitted written requests to withdraw and the board carried the motions to remove the matters from the docket without prejudice.
Several contested and uncontested variance requests were heard and decided:
- VAR25-00031 (2485 Apalachee Drive): Applicant Theresa Manal Amada requested relief to reduce a rear setback from 30 to 20 feet and increase impervious coverage from 35% to 43% to enclose an existing deck and expand indoor space. Staff recommended conditional approval; the board approved the two variances subject to staff conditions.
- VAR25-00029 (1762 Remington Road): Applicant Jennica Rogers requested a side-setback variance to construct a carport and allow expanded parking in part to accommodate an in-law suite. Architect Steven Bianchi described steep grades and a front-yard gas pipeline that limited alternatives. The board approved the variance with the conditions recommended by staff.
- VAR25-00033 (1372 Oconee Pass): Blackbird Homes requested removal of a 41-inch water oak in the front yard citing critical root-zone encroachment from planned sidewalk and roadway improvements. Staff recommended approval with conditions, including planting a replacement overstory tree. After public comment, the board approved the specimen-tree removal but the motion passed by a divided vote, 3–2.
- VAR25-00034 (1160 Wild Creek Trail): The board approved a reduction of the stream buffer from 75 to 45 feet for a modest rear addition on a steep lot, subject to staff-recommended stormwater conditions; the board noted the parcel’s unusual topography in finding hardship.
- VAR25-00035 (1315 Ragley/Rockley Hall Road): The board approved an average front-yard setback reduction to 37.5 feet to allow an addition and improve street access for an aging homeowner; approval carried unanimously subject to staff conditions.
The board concluded its agenda, approved a motion to adjourn and closed the meeting at 8:37 p.m.
Notable procedural points: staff repeatedly reminded applicants that turf is generally treated as impervious under current city specifications unless built to an approved permeable synthetic-turf detail that can reduce the impervious calculation; where staff recommended denial (as with VAR25-00032), the board either deferred or required additional site review before making a final determination.
