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Commission denies variance to place elevated pool within front setback at 103 Georgia Street
Summary
After extensive public comment and staff opposition, the Glynn County Planning Commission denied a request to reduce the front setback for a raised pool at 103 Georgia Street, citing an apparent self-imposed hardship and available alternatives.
The Glynn County Planning Commission voted to deny a variance request that would have allowed an elevated pool within the front setback at 103 Georgia Street on St. Simons Island.
Niecy Carroll of Glynn County Planning and Zoning told the commission the applicant sought to reduce the front-yard setback from 20 feet to 8 feet to construct a raised pool. Carroll presented historic plats showing that an expedited 1991 plat had reoriented lots and that Page Avenue — the street used to calculate the 20-foot setback — was later abandoned. Carroll said staff received multiple public comments and that staff did not recommend approval "due to a self imposed hardship." (staff comment recorded in hearing materials.)
Agent Kevin Higgins and architect representatives said the applicant planned an elevated pool — about 30 inches above grade — to protect the pool from storm surge and to make the pool a visual match for the house. "We are showing an elevated pool structure for safety of the property," Higgins said, adding the elevation was to protect the pool from storm surge.
Neighbor John Rogers, who said he has lived on the island since 1982, urged denial on multiple grounds including noise, parking, and the absence of an extraordinary hardship. "There is no good and sufficient cause," Rogers told the commission, urging the board to reject the variance.
Several other neighbors raised similar concerns that a pool would invite rental-related noise and parking pressures. Owner Jim Line Weaver and his contractor said they conducted due diligence with county staff and DNR before purchase and obtained written approvals from some adjacent owners; the owner said the intent is to use the house as a family house in coming years and that any rentals would be limited.
Commissioners debated alternatives — flipping the pool location closer to the house, building the pool at grade or adding safety rails — and expressed concern about precedent on the unique substandard lot. An unidentified commissioner moved to deny the variance; another seconded the motion. The commission voted by majority to deny ZV2418. The chair noted the applicant retains the right to appeal to the Glynn County Board of Commissioners.
