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Board grants small septic-setback variance for Mori home addition
Summary
Matt and Elizabeth Mori received a 4-foot variance from Houston County to permit a deck/roof addition within the standard 10-foot setback from an existing septic tank; staff noted the older septic likely will require replacement in coming years and that new septic work must meet code.
The Houston County Board of Adjustment approved a 4-foot variance that will allow Matt and Elizabeth Mori to extend a deck and roof over part of their home closer to an existing septic tank than the county’s standard 10-foot setback.
Staff explained the 10-foot requirement exists primarily to prevent construction activity from damaging septic components and noted the existing tank likely dates to the 1990s. "The riser even though it's an old tank, the riser is at the surface, so it is visible too," staff said, adding that the system is currently functioning.
Applicant Matt Mori described the work as largely structural columns and a roof “marrying” a deck to the house, with a planned five-foot extension to the east and north rather than full new footings. "We're extending our deck 5 feet to the east and to the north... so we're not going any further with actual residential living," Mori said.
Staff recommended a conservative 4-foot variance (to ensure 10 feet total from the proposed addition to the septic) and noted any future septic replacement would need to meet setback requirements. The board moved and seconded the recommendation and approved the variance on a roll-call vote with all members recorded as Aye.
The approval allows the Moris to complete the limited deck and roof work described at the hearing; the county noted that when the septic system is replaced in the future it must comply with current code.
