Letter of Intent-Variance Request and Summary for Certificate of Appropriateness

COA/Variance Request: 1810 EAST CLIFTON RD., NE ATLANTA, GA.

May 31, 2017

DeKalb County Dept of Planning and Sustainability Office of Planning 330 West Ponce de Leon Ave., Stes 100-500 Decatur, GA 30030 To Whom It May Concern: On behalf of the owners, Frank and Sandra Goulding, this letter is to request an approve a Variance to allow exterior renovations to the front yard which subsequently causes the lot coverage to increase from the required 35% to 37.8% per Table 2.2, "Residential Zoning Districts Dimensional Requirements”, Maximum lot coverage in R-75 is 35%. The homeowners need the exterior modifications because they have issues with the slope of the driveway in the front yard. Being a more mature couple, with a slope so steep, they have difficulty reaching their mailbox and believe that it is practical to add a run of steps adjacent to the driveway. This will allow them to enjoy outdoor activities in their yard, reach their mailbox safely and access the street to walk or visit neighbors on foot. The scope is outlined below. The proposed scope for the Certificate of Appropriateness includes: • Installing exterior steps from the house front entrance along the driveway and to the top of the

street to allow easy pedestrian access for the owners due to steep incline. o Also as a result, allow a flatter usable area directly in the area of the front entrance of the

house. • Install a retaining wall to allow a level front landing area and to retain dirt adjacent to the new stairs

which is encased between the driveway and the new steps. • The material for proposed retaining wall and enhancements (decorative columns) will match the

proposed construction material currently being used for their remodel. • Other proposed landscaping for curb appeal. The Criteria as indicated in Section 27-7.5.3 or 7.5.4 of the DeKalb County Zoning Ordinance:

1. By reason of exceptional narrowness, shallowness, or shape of a specific lot, or by reason of exceptional topographic and other site conditions (such as, but not limited to, floodplain, major stand of trees, steep slope), which were not created by the owner or applicant, the strict application of the requirements of this chapter would deprive the property owner of rights and privileges enjoyed by other property owners in the same zoning district.

Letter of Intent-Variance Request and Summary for Certificate of Appropriateness

COA/Variance Request: 1810 EAST CLIFTON RD., NE ATLANTA, GA. a. The house sets high with greater than an 8% slope leading from the house to the

sidewalk and at their age, steps would ensure their safety when getting mail or walking the neighborhood.

2. The requested variance does not go beyond the minimum necessary to afford relief, and does not constitute a grant of special privilege inconsistent with the limitations upon other properties in the zoning district in which the subject property is located.

a. The variance request seems reasonable as it resolves an issue that can be interpreted as a right-to-enjoy their property just as any other property owner has within the confines of the ordinance.

3. The grant of the variance will not be materially detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to the property or improvements in the zoning district in which the subject property is located.

a. The retaining wall would also flatten the front yard for more use with their pets and family as the entirety of the backyard is wooded.

b. There are other homes located on E. Clifton Rd. with retaining walls and columns c. LED down lighting is proposed throughout proposed structure increasing visibility and

safety of the home and well as those walking after dark. 4. The literal interpretation and strict application of the applicable provisions or requirements of this

chapter would cause undue and unnecessary hardship.

a. If strictly applying the applicable code relevant to lot coverage, the modification may not be possible. There is always room for alternative solutions but based on their consideration, this seems like a modification that will fit the property.

5. The requested variance would be consistent with the spirit and purpose of this chapter and the DeKalb County Comprehensive Plan text.

a. The owners believe this to be true as it does not negatively impact their neighbors. It allows them to resolve a problem and the lot remains as it’s intended use with a very subtle change that will be masked with the existing environment that the change will seem was always there.

In summary, we are asking for your approval to increase the lot coverage from the required 35% to 37.8% We do not foresee substantial detriment to the public good and no substantial impairment of the intent and purpose of this chapter and the comprehensive plan for this small variation. Other than the increase in lot coverage, no other relief considerations are being requested at this time. Thank you for your consideration of this request. Respectfully, April Ingraham, Applicant/Agent for Frank and Sandra Goulding (owners) 404-421-1520 consultant@thepermitspecialist.com

GOULDING RESIDENCE – 1810 E. CLIFTON RD NE ATLANTA - PHOTO COLLAGE OF PROPOSED WORK AREA