Paulding County ZBA denies setback-variance request for 216 Shockley Way

The Paulding County Zoning Board of Appeals voted on April 14, 2026, to deny application 2026-06-V, a request by Joel Patrick Mullinax to reduce the required setback for an accessory structure on his property at 216 Shockley Way from 10 feet to 2 feet. The motion to deny, made by Jack Hart and seconded by Bruce Johnson, carried 3-1-1: three yes, one no (Dave Roberts) and one abstention (Chairman Lamar Clarke).

The variance sought relief from Section 230-30.01 of the county code governing setback requirements for accessory structures. During the hearing Mullinax noted that the street location listed in the application packet was incorrect; he then described the proposed placement of the accessory structure and answered board questions about whether septic-field lines would be affected and whether the structure could instead be moved farther back or to the right of the pool.

Board member Dave Roberts asked whether the board could impose a smaller reduction than the 2-foot setback requested. Community Development Director Ann Lippmann responded that the board could stipulate a lesser setback than requested but could not grant more relief than the applicant sought. Staff member Leah Wilson said there had been no public phone calls expressing opposition and that public notice and on-site signage had been properly posted.

Concluding deliberations, Jack Hart moved to deny the variance. "Motion made by Jack Hart, seconded by Bruce Johnson to DENY application 2026-06-V," the minutes record. The motion carried 3-1-1 with Roberts voting no and Clarke abstaining.

The board took no further action on the item. The meeting was adjourned at 5:51 p.m.