Board approves metal outbuilding with condition that it be painted to match house

The Cherokee County Planning Board on June 13 approved variances allowing multiple accessory structures at 805 Doc Latham Trail, including a proposed 40-by-40 metal outbuilding, subject to a condition that the new structure be painted to match the house.

Planner Dana explained the property is 2.41 acres in the R80 zone and that Article 5 §5.6 design standards require accessory structures closer to the primary frontage or over a certain size to use materials complementary to the principal residence. Dana said the existing boat storage (installed 2009) and a gazebo (installed 2021) created a complex set of nonconforming features and that the parcel already contained three larger accessory structures; the applicant proposes an additional 40-by-40 building sited roughly 500 feet from the roadway and about 200 feet behind the house.

Applicant Bobby Kimbrell told the board he needs enclosed storage for tractors and equipment and that the smaller on-site structures were modified for safety. Stephanie Kimbrell said the owners plan to paint the new structure gray and black to match a planned repaint of the house and that they had neighbor support.

Board members discussed whether all-metal construction would meet the design standard. Dana said staff allows metal with architectural trim on side or rear units but discourages entirely metal buildings where they are highly visible from the road. A board member moved to approve the variances with the stipulation that the new 40-by-40 structure be painted to match the house exterior; the motion was seconded and passed 4–0.

The approval included the condition to paint the new building to match the residence; staff noted the applicant intends to remove one small 8-by-8 shed so the parcel would retain three larger accessory structures in compliance with Table 5.4 when counting only structures above the code’s small-shack exemption.