A few feet too far: Chaseland roof faces a denial recommendation

Sandy Springs planners say a roof over a basement well at 115 Chaseland Road would not harm neighbors. They still recommend denying the variance needed to keep it.⁠[1]

The roof extends approximately five feet into a required 10-foot side setback. The city’s October 27 staff report says eaves, roof overhangs and gutters may extend only three feet into that space. The request seeks permission to retain the existing roofed-over basement well.⁠[1]

Mark Weber argues in the application materials that the cover serves a practical purpose: preventing future water problems and keeping leaves and debris from clogging the well’s drains. He says the requested exception is the minimum needed to cover the well.⁠[1]

Staff reaches a different conclusion. Although the lot has a somewhat atypical shape, planners say its physical conditions do not create an extraordinary hardship. They also find that the roofed well could have been placed elsewhere without a variance and that the roof itself is not structurally essential.⁠[1]

The recommendation is not a Board of Appeals ruling. Case V-26-60 is scheduled for the board’s November 4 meeting at 6 p.m. in the Studio Theatre at Sandy Springs City Hall, 1 Galambos Way.⁠[1][2]