Sandy Springs Board of Appeals Regular Meeting - February 4, 2026

The Sandy Springs Board of Appeals met on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Studio Theatre at City Hall. The meeting was called to order by Chair Sherri Allen. The board addressed three variance cases, re-elected leadership, and announced a joint retreat with the Planning Commission.

Approvals

• The Board unanimously approved the meeting agenda for February 4, 2026.
• The Board unanimously approved the meeting minutes from the January 7, 2026 meeting.

Discussion Items and Case Outcomes

Case A: 2026-0002 V-25-54 – 701 Bass Way (Eave Encroachment)

• Request: A variance from Section 6.1.2.B to allow a building eave to encroach 5.2 feet into the 30-foot side street setback.
• Staff Recommendation: Denial. Planner III Helen Owens stated that while the encroachment is fully screened and not detrimental to the public, the violation negates the intent of the development code and the property can be developed without relief.
• Applicant Position: Homeowner Andrea Darwish of 701 Bass Way explained the encroachment was an unintentional builder error discovered after a 2025 citation. She requested approval and committed to permanently maintaining the existing vegetative screening.
• Outcome: The Board voted unanimously to approve the variance with the condition that the homeowner permanently maintain the vegetative screening consistent with Exhibit A.

Case B: 2026-0003 V-25-53 – 870 Edgewater Drive (Front Setback)

• Recusal: Board Member Fred Jewell recused himself from this case.
• Request: A variance from Section 6.1.2.B to encroach 20 feet into the 60-foot primary street setback for a new home.
• Staff Recommendation: Denial. Staff argued the property could be developed without a variance and that a code-compliant alternative design exists, making the request a "mere inconvenience" rather than a hardship.
• Applicant Position: Owners Bruce and Sylvia Bowen of 870 Edgewater Drive stated that a steep slope (20.75%), a culvert easement rendering 6,801 square feet unbuildable, and stormwater management requirements created a unique hardship. They noted similar encroachments exist within the neighborhood and that neighbors supported the project.
• Board Discussion: The Board raised concerns about the impact on trees and stormwater management, requesting an arborist study.
• Outcome: The Board voted unanimously to defer the case to the March 4, 2026 meeting to allow the applicant to address arborist and stormwater concerns. Staff was asked to address a letter of opposition regarding setback distinctions.

Case C: 2026-0004 V-25-60 – 4825 Franklin Pond Road (Nonconforming Structures)

• Request: Variances from Sections 11.7.2.B.3 and 6.1.2.B to expand nonconforming structures in the 35-foot rear and 50-foot front setbacks.
• Staff Recommendation: Approval. Planner II LaQuita Williams stated that stream buffers rendered approximately 95% of the lot unbuildable, creating an extraordinary hardship for the homeowners.
• Applicant Position: Representative Den Webb, on behalf of homeowners Robbie and Adisa Duray Raj, requested approval, emphasizing the expansion was minimal (1.5 feet forward, 1.5-3 feet rear), stayed within the existing footprint, and provided a net reduction of impervious surface. Letters of support from neighbors were submitted.
• Outcome: The Board voted unanimously to approve the variance with the condition that construction be substantially similar to the provided site plan.

Key Outcomes and New Business

• Elections: Chair Sherri Allen and Vice Chair Justin Sparano were re-elected unanimously for the upcoming term.
• Retreat: A joint retreat with the Planning Commission is scheduled for March 20, 2026. Board members expressed interest in inviting Mike Alexander from the Atlanta Regional Commission as a speaker.