Glynn County appeals board denies variance for Saint Simons Island home at 42 34th Street

The Glynn County Board of Appeals voted to deny a variance request for a rear-yard setback at 42 34th Street, Saint Simons Island (Parcel 04-03229), after an initial motion to approve failed and a subsequent motion to deny carried.

Staff told the board the property is zoned R-6 (single-family residential) and that the existing structure, including stairs, encroaches approximately 5 feet into the required rear-yard setback. In presentation to the board, a staff member stated, “Staff does not recommend approval of ZV-26-17 due to a self imposed hardship.” The staff report noted the house was constructed around 1940, site coverage would remain under 60% with the proposed addition, and a building permit had not been submitted.

Charles William Day, speaking as agent for owners Aaron and Bert Leonard, described the proposal as an interior expansion to add bedroom space and an accessible bathtub: “We are proposing the addition of a bathroom extension … and we are looking to put an accessible bathtub bathroom in this space.” Day said the proposed addition would align with the existing encroachment and aim to match the home’s exterior so it appears cohesive.

Board members pressed for alternatives that would avoid enlarging the encroachment, suggesting interior reconfiguration to fit a bathroom within the current footprint. The chair summed up that concern: “One of the reasons we’re here is to try to prevent that perpetuation of crowdedness,” and noted the house and neighboring lots were developed before current setback rules.

Committee member (speaker 3) moved to approve the variance, seconded by another board member; the motion did not pass (the transcript does not include a roll-call tally). Committee member (speaker 6) then moved to deny the variance, the motion was seconded by the chair, and the board’s denial carried. The transcript does not record named vote tallies.

The chair told the applicant the decision may be appealed to the Glynn County Board of Commissioners and encouraged exploring plan options to stay within the existing footprint if possible. The board adjourned after concluding new business.

What happened next: The applicant was informed of the appeal process to the Glynn County Board of Commissioners; no public comments were offered during the hearing.