Sandy Springs Board of Appeals Meeting Summary - August 5, 2026

The Sandy Springs Board of Appeals held a regular meeting on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Studio Theatre at City Hall. The agenda was amended to remove two cases: case A (4630 Mount Paran Parkway, placed on administrative hold) and case C (4805 Jett Road, moved to the September meeting). The board then heard two remaining variance requests: one for a stream buffer variance at 520 Elden Drive (approved unanimously) and one for a sport court variance at 116 Hardeman Road (deferred to allow further neighbor outreach).

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Amended Agenda: Unanimous vote to approve the agenda as amended (removing cases A and C).
• Approval of June 3, 2026 Minutes: Unanimous approval with a second from Board Member Jason Bodwell.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Case B (520 Elden Drive): Applicant Peter McMaster (Theory Homes) spoke in support, noting the proposed porch and deck would be on stilts, reducing ground disturbance. No opposition was voiced.
• Case D (116 Hardeman Road):
  • Applicant Alex Brock (land use attorney) argued for approval, citing the homeowner's son's medical need for exercise, the sport court's year-long use without neighbor complaints, and willingness to mitigate stormwater and install screening. He requested a deferral to work with the nearby Cloysters Condominium Association.
  • Opponent Elizabeth Feit (president of the Cloysters Condominium Association) expressed concerns about increased stormwater runoff from additional impervious surface (raising lot coverage from 35% to 44.3%), lack of notice to her HOA, and the precedent of building without permits. She requested denial or, if approved, strict conditions on stormwater management.

Discussion Items

• Case B (V-26-33, 520 Elden Drive): Staff (LaQuita Williams) recommended approval with a condition that construction be substantially similar to the provided site plan. The applicant confirmed no trees would be removed. Board members asked clarifying questions about tree preservation. The board unanimously approved the variance for a new deck, porch, and home addition to encroach into the 75-foot impervious surface setback and 50-foot undisturbed stream buffer.
• Case D (V-26-43, 116 Hardeman Road): Staff recommended denial because the unpermitted sport court (built in 2025) encroaches four feet from property lines (required 10-foot setback) and increases lot coverage to 44.3% (max 35%, previously 40% with pool mitigation). The applicant proposed additional conditions: offsetting impervious area with pervious pavers on the front driveway and installing mitigation measures (evergreen screening, netting, swale repair) as negotiated with a neighbor. The board discussed the location of the Cloysters Condominium Association downhill to the north and expressed willingness to defer to allow applicant to address their concerns. The board granted a deferral (unanimous) to a future meeting, allowing the applicant to work with the association and staff on stormwater solutions.

Key Outcomes

• Case B Approved (unanimous): Variance granted for 520 Elden Drive to allow a new deck, porch, and home addition to encroach into stream buffers, conditioned on construction being substantially similar to the approved site plan.
• Case D Deferred (unanimous): Variance request for 116 Hardeman Road deferred to a future meeting (likely 60 days, exact date not specified) to allow additional neighbor outreach and stormwater mitigation design. The public hearing will be reopened if needed.
• Upcoming Engagement: Staff promoted the city's comprehensive plan and recreation and parks master plan ("Plan the Next Chapter") with public meetings on August 17 and 20, 2026.