Coweta County zoning board recommends denial of front-setback variance for Bears Bend lot

The Coweta County Board of Zoning Appeals on Nov. 20 recommended denial of Variance 25-23, a request by Scott Securo to reduce the required 300-foot front setback for Lot 1 of the Bears Bend subdivision along Bear Creek Road.

Zoning manager Lisa Ashman told the board the subject property is approximately "7.289 acres" and was developed under the estate-lot averaging (EL) standard, which includes a 300-foot front setback intended to "preserve the rural character" along county roadways. Ashman reviewed prior history, saying a 2023 application for the area (Variance 23-31) was denied by the BZA and later unanimously denied by the Board of Commissioners; she also noted that staff would propose a 200-foot front-setback condition if the BZA nevertheless recommended approval.

Applicant Scott Securo described the reasons for his request as construction hardships tied to topography and drainage. "The reason for the request for variance is the hardships that it brings in trying to build the house, the 300 foot setback," Securo said, adding that siting the house at the required setback would place it "down below the crest of the hill, some 20 feet," worsen drainage and require removing many trees and hauling hundreds of truckloads of material.

Multiple neighbors and nearby property owners spoke in opposition. Andy Conaway, presenting for neighbors Phil and Melissa Town/Towne, showed photographs of Bear Creek Road and argued the rural aesthetic has been maintained by builders who place houses well off the roadway. Eric Bowen, who lives directly across from the parcel, said the lot's grade and drainage "was present" when it was purchased and characterized the hardship claim as a matter of buyer diligence rather than a new physical condition. Phil Towne said residents want the county to "stick with that development structure" so the community is not repeatedly asked to consider the same type of variance.

After public comment the board closed the hearing and a board member moved to deny the variance. The motion was seconded; two 'Aye' votes are transcribed and the chair declared the motion denied unanimously. The board's recommendation is advisory: the Board of Commissioners will hold the final decision in this same room on Dec. 16, 2025.

The BZA also noted it will meet again on Dec. 18, 2025, and entered written public opposition from Craig and Melissa Carroll into the record.