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Johns Creek board approves variance for unpermitted addition at 4810 Jones Bridgewood Drive
Summary
The Board of Zoning Appeals approved variance V-26-0006 to allow a 9.8-foot, roughly 122-square-foot rear-yard encroachment at 4810 Jones Bridgewood Drive to remain, with conditions requiring permitting and inspections; the owner had been ordered by municipal court to apply for a variance.
The City of Johns Creek Board of Zoning Appeals voted to approve variance V-26-0006, permitting an existing rear-yard home addition at 4810 Jones Bridgewood Drive to remain despite encroaching into the 25-foot rear-yard setback.
City staff told the board the addition encroaches approximately 9.8 feet into the required 25-foot rear setback, representing about 122 square feet of intrusion. Staff recommended approval with two conditions: the addition may not exceed 9.8 linear feet and 122 square feet of encroachment as shown on the survey stamped 03/16/2026, and the applicant must obtain the required building permit and have all inspections approved before a certificate of completion is issued. “The variance that we cast tonight is to allow 9.8 foot encroachment into the 25 foot rear yard setback to retain a home addition,” staff said during the presentation.
Applicant Farina Malaif, who said she and her family have lived at 4810 Jones Bridgewood Drive for nearly 18 years, asked the board to consider the family’s needs and acknowledged the procedural error. “My family and I have called this home ours for nearly 18 years,” Malaif said, adding that they did not follow the proper permitting process and asked for the board’s understanding.
Staff also told the board that a municipal court proceeding related to the construction resulted in an order on Feb. 21, 2026 directing the property owner to apply for a variance. Board members asked staff whether the initial complaint concerned an awning; staff said the awning complaint led investigators to discover the encroaching addition. Staff clarified that some issues have been addressed through municipal court while this specific encroachment was to be handled by the Zoning Appeals process.
Following questions from board members, Miss Venwin moved to approve the variance as presented by staff; Miss Green seconded. The chair called for a vote and no opposition was voiced; the motion carried. As part of the approval, the applicant must apply for the required building permit (staff said the applicant would have 30 days to apply if the variance is approved) and complete any required inspections before the city will issue a certificate of completion.
The case record cites the City’s zoning development standards for rear-yard setbacks and the variance criteria in the zoning ordinance as the governing authorities for the decision. The board’s action allows the addition to remain subject to the staff conditions described above.
