Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Zoning Variance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Coweta County zoning board recommends front-setback variance for Newnan home
Summary
The Coweta County Board of Zoning Appeals on Dec. 18 recommended that a variance be granted to allow a new front porch at 780 Gordon Road to sit 65 feet from the right of way instead of the current 100-foot requirement; the Board of Commissioners will take final action Jan. 22.
Nicole Blackwell, a zoning associate with Coweta County’s Community Development Department, told the Board of Zoning Appeals on Dec. 18 that the applicant, Timothy Woodruff, has requested a front-setback variance to allow a proposed covered porch at 780 Gordon Road to be located 65 feet from the right of way.
Blackwell said the property is approximately 5.82 acres and is zoned RC. The proposal would replace an existing front stoop with a covered porch roughly 75 feet long that would extend about 6 feet from the front of the house. She said the house was originally built in 1986 when the required front setback along Gordon Road was 50 feet; the county ordinance was amended in 2008 to require a 100-foot setback. "The applicant is requesting a variance under Article 23 of the Coweta County Zoning and Development Ordinance for a front setback reduction," Blackwell said, adding that staff review under Article 28's seven factors identified that the home predates the current requirement and that the request is not expected to impact public facilities or surrounding properties.
Blackwell noted that staff recommended a condition of approval that the covered porch be located 65 feet from the right of way as shown on the site plan submitted with the variance application. The chair opened the hearing for public comment; no one spoke for or against the request.
During deliberations a committee member said the hardship is that the house predates the current 100-foot setback and therefore cannot accommodate a covered front porch without a variance. That member moved to recommend approval of the variance with the planning department's condition; another committee member seconded. The chair called for a vote and members answered "Aye," after which the board recommended approval.
The chair reminded the applicant that the Board of Commissioners will make the final decision in this meeting room on Jan. 22 and advised attendance. Staff also announced that the next Board of Zoning Appeals meeting is set for Thursday, Jan. 29, with two items on the agenda.
