BZA approves side-yard pool variance in Indian Hills with screening and staff conditions

The Cobb County Board of Zoning Appeals voted 5–0 to approve a side-yard variance that allows a pool, equipment and small freestanding decks on the side of a house in Indian Hills. Applicant Farrah (Farnas) Carr said several permanent rear-yard easements and recorded constraints eliminate the backyard as a feasible pool location; she told the board the request was the minimum relief necessary and that neighbors and the Indian Hills Country Club had signed conditional approvals.

Opponents including the Indian Hills Civic Association raised concerns about precedent, the golf-course easement and visibility from the street and fairway; the association’s representative recommended caution but did not formally ask the board to deny the request. The applicants and contractor agreed to substantial landscaping, fencing and screening to maintain privacy and address safety concerns from stray golf balls; pool equipment location will be fenced and screened and final positions will be shown on permit plans.

The board approved the variance with standard staff comments and directed the applicant to address screening and to show equipment and fence locations on permit plans.