Homeowner seeks setback variances to expand cottage at 3019 Park Street

Mallory Shirley told the East Point Planning and Zoning Commission on Monday that she wants to expand a small, nonconforming house at 3019 Park Street and needs variances for front and rear setbacks to do it.

"The total lot square footage is 3,696 square feet," Shirley said. "I'm asking to add about 500 square feet to the size of the home." She explained the lot’s shape and the position of an existing porch leave only a small buildable area and that the house currently sits about 6 feet from the rear property line.

Shirley said her plan is to build toward the north side of the lot to create a three-bedroom, two-bath home while not encroaching farther into the rear setback. "The goal is to basically create a more livable structure," she said.

A commissioner asked for the home’s current square footage; Shirley said it is about 750 square feet. Another participant who said they live nearby and can see the property from their kitchen window praised Shirley’s improvements and supported the variance, calling the proposed change "very beneficial to this house and to the neighborhood." Commissioners asked clarifying questions about setbacks, the sewer easement shown on the survey and construction impacts.

Because this was a work-session presentation, commissioners did not vote; staff will update the case materials and the matter is scheduled for a public hearing at the regular Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on March 19 at 7 p.m. at City Hall.