Board allows existing accessory building as storage, requires permit, plumbing removal

The Cobb County Board of Zoning Appeals on Aug. 13 approved variance case v65 for William Lane, allowing an existing roughly 578-square-foot accessory building to remain only as a storage building, subject to conditions requiring a building permit within 30 days, removal of plumbing and certification of completion.

Why it matters: The board distinguished between accessory storage use and residential occupancy and required steps intended to bring the structure into compliance with county building and inspection standards before it may be used. The board’s conditions are meant to prevent the accessory structure from being used as a dwelling.

What the board decided: Commissioner Boyle moved to approve the accessory building for storage only, with conditions. The motion, as read into the record, required that the applicant “apply for a permit with Cobb County Building Inspections within 30 days,” remove plumbing from the structure, pursue completion for storage use and not use the accessory building for residential purposes. The motion was seconded and passed.

Applicant’s presentation: William Lane told the board he had been asked at a previous hearing to provide an inspection punch list and had arranged a preliminary inspection through a private contractor recommended by the county. Lane said the contractor called his report “preliminary” and that additional work would likely be needed (removing receptacles, sheetrock, and other items) before permit approval.

Staff clarification and enforcement steps: Mr. Peterson, County Zoning Division Manager, and staff advised the board to tie approval to obtaining a building permit, applying for and receiving a certificate of completion or occupancy, removing plumbing and removing any residential use. The board’s motion incorporated those exact conditions. Peterson noted that electrical work would be subject to permitting as part of the building permit process.

Board action: Motion approved; applicant must pursue the listed permit and construction steps.

Next steps: Applicant has 30 days to apply for the building permit and must address staff and development-inspections requirements (including any inspections for footings/structure).