Marietta Historic Preservation Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting - August 31, 2026
Marietta Historic Preservation Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting - August 31, 2026
The meeting consisted of two separate board sessions: the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) and the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA). The HPC approved an extensive renovation application for a historic home at 226 North Forest after lengthy discussion on materials and design. The BZA heard five variance cases, approving one, denying two, denying one due to no-show, and tabling one to allow the applicant to explore alternatives.
Consent Calendar
- HPC: Minutes from the previous meeting were approved by motion and second, with a quorum of four members confirmed.
- BZA: Minutes from the previous meeting were approved by motion and second.
Historic Preservation Commission – Discussion & Key Outcomes
- 226 North Forest (Applicant: Caleb): Caleb requested to replace previously approved lap siding with shingles (Hardy shingles), remove stucco from foundation and limewash the exposed brick, replace and add windows to create symmetry (two picture windows, two arched windows, and a central operable window), install a new garage door (Door Vision model 2550), black gutters and downspouts, extend the front porch by removing a wall and adding steps, and install tile resembling brick on porch, steps, and walkway to the driveway. Commissioners expressed frustration with a moving target but worked to clarify each element. Specific requirements included: all windows must have true divided light (external grids, not internal grids), grid pattern must be consistent with neighborhood (prairie or colonial style allowed), and the walkway tile must resemble brick as shown in the reference photo. The motion was passed unanimously (5-0).
Board of Zoning Appeals – Case Summaries
- V2026-27 (850 Industrial Park Drive – WLM Contracting): Variance to reduce side yard setback from 20 feet to 3 feet to expand a warehouse. No applicant appeared. The fire marshal indicated the 3-foot setback would not be permitted. Motion to deny passed 4-2.
- V2026-29 (1405 O&B Drive – Hayes Brewer, Oakley Real Estate Partners): Variance to allow gravel as an acceptable parking surface. The applicant added gravel without permits after buying the property, citing cost and tenant needs (heavy industrial). Commissioners noted the trend against gravel and the lack of exceptional circumstances. Motion to deny passed unanimously.
- V2026-30 (138 Powers Ferry Road – John Swinney & Shenaz Sawani): Variance to allow an existing porch (built without permit) to encroach 3.3 feet into a 15-foot side setback (instead of the allowed 7.5 feet). Additionally, the property was cited for an unpermitted tree removal business in the rear. The city recommended denial. Commissioners denied the variance unanimously; the applicant can cut the porch back 4 feet 2 inches to become compliant without further HPC approval.
- V2026-31 (1204 Brandle Drive – Ignacio Mendoza): Variance to reduce side and rear setbacks for an 18x20 foot shed from 10 feet to 4 feet. The applicant wanted to preserve yard space for children. Commissioners suggested alternative locations that might not require a variance. Motion to table (with waived re-advertising fee) passed, allowing the applicant to consult his builder and return without a 12-month waiting period.
- V2026-33 (749 South Marietta Parkway – Noreen Lalani & Rohel Hara): Three variances: (1) increase rear setback encroachment from 35 feet to 11 feet to expand a non-conforming convenience store, (2) allow parking at the fuel pumps to count toward required parking, and (3) related to expansion. The addition is 4,000 square feet for two retail spaces (one likely restaurant with limited seating). Commissioners accepted the pump-parking rationale and found no detriment. Motion to approve all three variances passed unanimously.
Public Comments & Testimony
- No public comments were offered for any case; all public testimony was from the applicants themselves and their representatives.
Meeting Transcript
So the frame would will stay the exact same size, and the supplier who who made the first one is making this one. And we wanted to we noticed that there's a nice like burgundy red door that's already existing for the um the office upstairs, chiropractor. Yeah. Um and we wanted to match that and continue on um with a more nostalgic book. Excellent. Are you gonna have any signs? Because we'll need to come back if you um what is that what is the name of the facade of the awning, the front um it's like the frill part. That's okay on the awning. I'm just saying if you're gonna have any other signs, you'll need it. Um we are planning to we have an Atlanta artist who or kind of gold paint our um hours on the door, but we wanted to keep the windows just clean. If you the sign on the inside, you don't need to come back if that's possible. Um sign on the inside. So we're hours. I'm saying that would be considered signage, right? Yes, that will be considered signage, but what David is saying is if you apply it to the in inside of the window as opposed to putting it outside, you won't have to come back before this board. Okay. Uh no that's a some some don't some that's not an option for them. If that's an option, just keep that in mind. Sure. Yeah. You don't have to. I'm just saying if you want to put them on the outside, you'll need to come back. Okay. Well, I'll confer with the artist and we'll come back if he insists it'd be on the outside. When will we all get started? Um October 1st is our target date. Yes. But you know we're hoping for that date. So things are moving fast. But yeah, the the the custom awning does take a little bit of time, so we're gonna make sure we can green light that any other comments, questions? Motion. I move that we approve the application. Second. There's second. Melanie any other discussion? All those in favor? Uh Stacy, you in favor? I don't look scared. Okay, she's good. Okay. All right, you're gonna be able to do that. Thank you for your time. All right, thank you. Um other business. Okay, uh meeting adjourned. All right, stay sending hang out. Thanks, Stacey. Okay. No, I'm gonna stick around. I always like to listen to the houses when I'll sit and catch up on my emails and listen to listen to the house news.
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