City of Green zoning board approves three variance requests for detached structures, porches and fences

The City of Green Board of Zoning Appeals voted April 17 to approve three separate zoning variances that will let homeowners and contractors proceed with a detached garage and pavilion, a covered front porch, and a pool with 4-foot fencing on a corner lot.

Board Chair opened the meeting and the board heard the first case, BZA2025‑57, from Darren Schultz, president of the construction company performing the work. Schultz told the board the detached garage and a linked pavilion are intended for family gatherings, storage and to accommodate a tall motorhome, and that the pavilion will include a fireplace and cover a hot tub. He asked for two variances: to allow the accessory buildings to exceed the primary structure footprint by 1,118 square feet and to permit 5,522 square feet of accessory uses where the code caps such uses at 2,500 square feet. Schultz said the pavilion and garage will match house materials and that landscaping and mounding will screen the backyard. After board questions about visibility and materials, a motion to approve both variances passed; one member abstained because of a conflict of interest.

The board then took up BZA2025‑59, a request by American Patio Rooms acting for the homeowners at 5536 South Arlington Road to allow a 17‑inch deviation from the 50‑foot front-yard setback so a roof can be placed over an existing porch used as the primary entrance. Contractor Bob Round and homeowner David Weinhart described the porch as the main entrance for older residents and said adding a roof and railing would improve safety and accessibility. The board clarified that the requested relief was 17 inches (not 17 feet); neighbors sent a letter supporting the project. The board approved the 17‑inch setback variance.

Finally the board approved BZA20250010, a package of three variances for 1149 Fox Hollow Lane requested by Doug Hicks. Hicks explained that, because his lot is a corner parcel, side yards are treated as front yards for zoning purposes and that he needs a 4‑foot fence in the pool area but the zoning limits those front-yard fences to 2–3 feet. He showed photos of existing mounding and trees that screen the property and said the proposed fencing would match other houses in the neighborhood. The motion to grant all three variances passed on a roll call vote.

All three approvals were unanimous among voting members or carried with a single abstention where recorded; board members noted matching materials and screening as conditions that reduce neighborhood impacts. The approvals clear the applicants to apply for building permits and move forward with construction subject to any county building‑department requirements.

The board approved meeting minutes from March 20 and adjourned; its next meeting is scheduled for May 15.