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Decatur zoning board approves stream-buffer variance after applicant pledges net reduction in impervious surface
Summary
The Decatur Zoning Board of Appeals approved a variance for a residential addition and driveway reconfiguration after the applicant said the project would reduce impervious surface in stream buffers by about 1,250 square feet; the approval was conditioned on construction matching submitted plans.
The Decatur Zoning Board of Appeals approved a stream-buffer variance on Nov. 10, 2025, after being told the project would reduce impervious surface and improve water quality near an on-site stream. Chair Casey Boyce, chair of the Decatur Zoning Board of Appeals, presided over the meeting.
Surveyor Stephen Keane of Survey Land Express, representing the applicant, said the project would increase permeable surfaces and vegetation in the buffer area and incorporate green-infrastructure measures to treat runoff. "The reduction in the 75-foot buffer is a delta of 563 [square feet]," Keane said, adding the reduction in the 50-foot buffer is about 797 square feet; the board discussed the combined figure as roughly a 1,250-square-foot net decrease in impervious surface coverage.
Keane also described the driveway reconfiguration as designed to reduce width where the site is already impacted, improve function adjacent to the stream, redirect runoff toward a curve and capture and treat it through a rain-garden water-quality system. He said the team is coordinating with the state on changes affecting the 25-foot buffer.
The application listed the property address in the staff materials as "125 Erin Circle." During discussion, a board member stated the address on the motion as "155 Kirkland Circle." The board conditioned approval on construction being consistent with the plans submitted to the board.
There were no members of the public who spoke for or against the application during the public-comment period. After brief discussion praising the quality of the submission, a motion to approve the stream-buffer variance was made, seconded, and approved by voice vote. The board also deferred approval of the Sept. 8 minutes to the next meeting.
The board set its next meeting for Dec. 8. Staff said the city commission handles appointments and reappointments and is expected to act at its December meeting; new appointees would begin attending in January. The meeting adjourned at 07:43.
Key factual details: the applicant reported reductions of 563 sq ft (75-foot buffer) and 797 sq ft (50-foot buffer); net reductions were discussed as approximately 1,250 sq ft. The property owner listed in staff materials is Providentia Properties LLC; the applicant in the record is Miriam Reyes. The variance was approved conditionally to match submitted construction plans.
