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South Fulton zoning board approves variance to expand bathroom and bedroom at 2820 Brookford Lane for accessibility
Summary
The City of South Fulton Zoning Board of Appeals on Nov. 20 approved a rear-setback variance for 2820 Brookford Lane so the homeowner can add an ADA-accessible bedroom and bathroom. Staff had recommended denial citing no hardship; the board approved after hearing the owner’s accessibility and financial hardship arguments.
Greer Geiger, the owner of 2820 Brookford Lane, received approval from the City of South Fulton Zoning Board of Appeals on Nov. 20 for a rear-setback variance to expand a master bedroom and create an accessible master bathroom.
City staff described the application (V25-0152820) as requesting an encroachment advertised as 19 feet into a 25-foot rear setback — leaving a resultant 6-foot rear setback — and recommended denial, saying in the staff analysis that "staff found no hardship for the applicant" under section 808.09 of the city's hardship criteria. Assistant city staff clarified in the hearing that the advertised number on the application can be larger than the actual construction and that the petitioner and contractor described the actual planned encroachment as roughly 13–15 feet.
Geiger told the board the existing master bathroom measures about 5 by 7 feet and is not usable for wheelchair or walker access: "The door covers the shower ... There's no room to turn around with the wheelchair or the walker," she said. Geiger said she needs grab bars and separate, accessible circulation to use the tub, shower and toilet safely and that the addition would allow her to remain in the house. She also said the home's covered patio is rotten and would be removed and replaced by a sunroom within the existing footprint.
Her contractor, Ike Dindy, presented site plans and said the work would be constructed from the existing structure and largely contained within the fenced rear yard. Geiger said she had spoken with the HOA president, Jennifer Thompson, who indicated she had "signed off" on the project; Geiger offered to secure written confirmation if the board deferred the case.
During questioning, board members pressed for clarity on the exact encroachment, neighbors' views and what hardship a short deferral would cause. Member Mister O'Donnell asked whether a one-month deferral would impose hardship; Geiger said delaying the project another month would cost roughly $2,500 in rent and storage and disrupt scheduled contractors. The city staff repeatedly cited section 808.09 hardship criteria in explaining why the staff recommendation was denial.
Miss Patterson moved to approve V25-0152820 "to accommodate your needs as the homeowner," and a second was made. The chair called for a voice vote and then a roll call; staff recorded votes as: Mister Johnson — yes; Doctor Blackshear — yes; Miss Patterson — yes; Mister O'Donnell — aye; Miss Paz Ferde — aye. The board approved the variance.
The variance approval permits the petitioner to proceed with the planned rear expansion as presented to the board; the petitioner said she had already committed to doors, windows and other materials and expects to proceed with construction. The staff record and application will reflect the board's approval and the vote. The hearing concluded with staff confirming no additional items for the evening and the board adjourning.
