Seven Hills council approves two residential variances citing safety and practical difficulty

The Seven Hills City Council approved two residential zoning variances at its Nov. 25 meeting after the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) recommended both requests.

For 1163 East Park Haven Drive, the council considered a request from resident Janet Burns for a variance to allow a proposed 6-foot vinyl fence to be located forward of the rear building line. Councilwoman Kelly reported the ZBA met Nov. 12, with five members present, and voted unanimously in favor. Kelly summarized the applicant’s rationale, saying the resident "has neighbor children that come into her yard and go underneath an open deck that is unsafe" and that neighbor dogs also enter the yard. Council members described the matter as a safety and property-value issue and voted to approve the variance, with members citing that the practical difficulty was not self-made.

The second case involved Greg and Lisa Edwards of 4265 Chestnut Road (agenda lists the address). The ZBA recommended variances to allow a replacement detached garage to be 1 foot from the side-yard lot line with a 20-foot height. There was brief confusion on the floor about the exact feet stated in the printed materials; the record was clarified during the meeting to show a 1-foot setback and a 20-foot height. The council voted to approve the variance after the ZBA’s unanimous recommendation.

Why it matters: Both variances affect residential development standards and were approved on grounds the requests presented practical difficulties and public-safety considerations. ZBA and council records show unanimous support in both cases.

Next steps: The approved variances will be reflected in building-permit and zoning records; applicants may proceed with permitted construction subject to compliance with the submitted plans.