PZ 22-028. Non-conforming front yard gate. Special Use and Variance.
APPLICANT: Maria Sanchez
SPECIAL USE: UDC Table 4-1 Provides that front yard fences require special use approval.
VARIANCE: To vary UDC Table 4-1 to increase the maximum allowed height of front yard gate from 3-feet to 7-feet.
LOCATION: 3689 Ponderosa Lane, within land lot 832. of the 19th District, 2nd Section, and Cobb County, Georgia.
ZONING: R20 PIN: 19083200340
Staff Recommendation: DENIAL Planning and Zoning Recommendation: APPROVAL
BACKGROUND: The home at 3689 Ponderosa Lane was built in 1964. Ms. Sanches purchased the home in May 2022 and installed a non-compliant front gate. The gate is 12 feet wide by 7 feet high. The code prohibits gates and fences in front yards except where special use approval is granted and sets a maximum height of 3-feet. The applicant is seeking special use approval, and a variance to allow a gate taller than 3-feet in her front yard. She also wishes to fence the front yard eventually. The property is under code enforcement action.
SURROUNDING AREA: The property is in a well-established residential neighborhood. Ponderosa Lane is off Powder Springs Road, and the subject property abuts Creekwood Estates at its rear property line. The properties on both sides of the subject property have chain-link fences installed in the front yard. Additionally, two homes in the immediate vicinity on the opposite side of the street also have chain-link fences, consistent with those that prevail in the area.
Figure 1. 3689 Ponderosa Lane. Neighboring property shown with front yard chain-link fence.
Figure 2. Vicinity Map.
Figure 3. The Gate at 3689 Ponderosa Lane.
ANALYSIS:
The application was reviewed against the following criteria:
1. Will the proposed special use be consistent with the stated purpose of the zoning district in which it will be located?
The stated purpose of the R-20 Residentia...
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