Stephens County denies variance request for accessory dwelling at Riverdale Road property

The Stephens County Board of Commissioners voted to deny a variance request that would have allowed an accessory dwelling within the side‑yard setback at 4348 Riverdale Road.

County staff introduced the request on behalf of property owner Brandon Tarpley, who said his backyard lacks sufficient space and that a side‑yard placement was the practical option. "The request for variance is my backyard is very limited on space where my house is sitting. I have a very wide side yard for the dwelling to sit on," Tarpley told the board.

During public comment, Brian Dooley of 1079 Skyline Drive opposed the variance and raised construction and safety concerns, saying the structure appeared to lack required continuous footing. "This is sitting on 8 inch blocks right on the ground. It has no footing," Dooley said, and asked when inspections occur and whether the county would be left to address noncompliant buildings later.

A commissioner moved to deny the variance and the motion was seconded; the board voted to deny the request. The Planning Commission had recommended tabling Item 1 pending additional information from the owner, but the board moved directly to a denial after hearing public testimony.

The denial leaves the owner the option to seek alternate compliance paths, such as relocating the accessory unit to a rear yard or pursuing a different permitting route and meeting building‑code requirements and inspections before placement.

Next steps: the denial is final for this meeting; the board did not direct immediate follow‑up action other than the standard permitting and inspection process.