Foley board approves front-yard setback variance for 9464 Wilson Rd.; staff cited wetlands stop-work order

The City of Foley Board of Adjustment & Appeals on Feb. 9 approved a variance to the required front-yard setback for a house at 9464 Wilson Rd.

Building Official Jonathan Cottis told the board an as-built survey submitted to staff showed the dwelling had been constructed over the required front-yard setback. Cottis said construction began in 2024 and that a stop-work order was issued during construction because the project involved wetlands; he added that a revised plan submitted to the Environmental Department was not routed to the Planning and Development Services Department. Planner 1 Eden Lapham noted the lot sits at the end of the road and across from a city park.

Gregg Knight moved to approve the variance; Steve Bailey seconded. The roll-call vote recorded Gregg Knight, Luanne McCarley, Keith Jiskra, Steve Bailey and Tyler Higginbotham voting aye and the motion carried.

The board approved the variance following discovery via the as-built survey and staff explanation of the earlier stop-work order. The decision relieves an immediate setback violation but the record notes the project history and the need to document the as-built condition and any environmental review.