Board approves Redfern Village side‑yard variance for Porch and Patio; DNR/CMPA survey still required for proposed deck

The Glynn County Board of Appeals approved a side‑yard setback variance for 262 Redfern Village (ZV 26‑1262), bringing a nonconforming building into compliance while making clear that any future deck construction will require separate approvals and a CMPA/DNR determination.

Christopher Carey, senior planner, told the board the structure was built in 1983 and is nonconforming; the building currently sits 6.5 feet from the property line. Carey said the applicant plans a 650‑square‑foot deck for showroom use but that the variance before the board applied only to the existing building. Staff recommended approval of the variance and noted future improvements would still require site‑plan approval from the Island Planning Commission and, for any work affecting the marsh setback, a CMPA/DNR determination.

Becky Derek, vice president of marketing and sales for Porch and Patio, told the board the business purchased the unit at 262 Redfern Village, that the deck does not currently exist and that they are awaiting a DNR survey to determine where a deck could be located. Dave Carver, Glynn County building official, said an attached deck (one you walk out onto from the building) is considered part of the structure for permitting and would therefore require separate review and potentially a variance because it would expand a nonconforming structure.

Board members asked whether units in the building were condominiumized and whether granting the variance for the end unit would effectively bring the entire building into compliance. Staff said the units are tied to the single structure and that approving the variance for the end would have that effect. Public comment was opened and no speakers came forward. A motion to approve ZV 26‑1262 was made, seconded and carried by voice vote. The chair noted that any deck work must comply with current building codes and DNR/CMPA setback requirements.

The approval resolves the variance request for the existing building; any future deck or attached improvements will require additional permits and determinations before construction may proceed.