Zoning board approves two setback variances after applicant cites steep topography and creek

The Paulding County Zoning Board of Appeals approved two setback-variance applications on a brief agenda after an applicant described steep topography and a creek that limit buildable yard space.

Lamar Clark, the applicant, told the board he was seeking variances for two adjacent lots to reduce the required front setback from 35 feet to 30 feet. “We hauled several loads of dirt in to raise the bank as far as we could, and, we just need to sit 5 feet closer to the road to give some more of a backyard,” Clark said.

Board members confirmed the situation applied to both lots. A board member asked whether notice signs were posted and whether there had been any opposition; the record in the meeting showed no opposition, while one speaker noted signs had been posted to the wrong property and that there was “a larger challenge.”

Unidentified Speaker 2 moved to approve both applications (listed in the meeting as 2025-10-Victor and 202511-Victor, both attributed to LPC Contracting). Unidentified Speaker 1 seconded. The board voiced approval and the motion carried, approving the requested reduction in setback for both lots.

No additional conditions, permit details, or appeals were stated during the discussion. After the vote the board moved promptly to adjourn.

The record for this meeting consists of the agenda announcement of the two applications, the applicant’s explanation of site constraints, brief board questioning about notice, and a voice vote to approve both variances. The transcript does not record specific vote counts by name, nor does it include written conditions attached to the approvals.