Council tables variance request for tight Spencer Hollow lot after neighbors press for review

The Barnesville City Council tabled a variance request for Lot 8 in the Spencer Hollow subdivision after neighbors asked for more time to review the proposed setback and for the council to visually inspect the proposed footprint.

Builder Denny Dunn told the council his plans attempted to fit an 1,800-square-foot house onto the narrow lot with minimal encroachment. Neighbors including Phyllis Abbott and Brad Bryan said the lot was tight and expressed concern that approval would leave houses separated by less than 20 feet in places. Abbott requested a postponement so neighbors could see an accurate stake-out and review setback impacts.

Building and Zoning Administrator Mike Aiken told council that many houses in the subdivision appear to encroach on minimum setbacks according to plat records. Several council members said this item was the first time they had seen the request and asked for a special meeting or a site marking so they could better evaluate the permit’s practical effects.

On motion by Councilmember Cecil D. McDaniel, Sr., seconded by Councilmember Larry B. Whitworth, the council unanimously tabled consideration of the variance until staff and council members could gather more information and perform a visual inspection.