Planning commission approves setback variance for View Point Drive home over neighbor objections

The Dawson County Planning Commission on Nov. 18 approved a variance allowing a new single-family home at 50 View Point Drive to be built with a seven-foot side setback, reduced from the 15 feet required by county code.

Doug Sherrill of Land Development Professionals told the commission the lot is constrained by an on‑site septic system and a prior house and attached garage that sat about 3 feet from the property line. He said the old septic tank was removed when the previous house was demolished: "That is correct, that when the old home was demolished, the old tank was crushed," Sherrill said, and he provided a revised site plan and 12–14 letters of support from neighboring property owners.

Several neighbors opposed the request during public comment. Jim King argued the variance was based on preference rather than hardship, saying, "variances are for hardship cases and that this certain case is not based off of a hardship but based off a want." Christopher Pret also told the commission he feared homes placed that close together would hurt resale values, and Chris Morrow warned the approval could set an undesirable precedent for side setbacks in the subdivision.

Commissioners discussed whether the proposed deck or breezeway could be modified; Sherrill said moving the septic was not feasible under state regulations. The commission approved VA 25-21 on a 3-0 vote (motion recorded as Maloney/Sanvi). The action modifies the setback requirement in Dawson County Land Development Code, Article III, Chapter 121-67(3)(c) for Parcel L10 089 at 50 View Point Drive, Dawsonville, GA 30534.

The commission did not record individual roll-call votes beyond the motion notation. No appeal or follow-up timeline was announced at the meeting.