Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.
The Sandy Springs Board of Appeals met on September 2, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall Studio Theatre. Vice Chair Justin Sparano presided in the absence of Chair Sherri Allen. The Board unanimously approved two variance requests after hearing from staff and applicants; no public opposition was voiced. The meeting also included updates on the city's comprehensive plan and recreation and parks master plan surveys.
Case 2026-0008 (4630 Mount Paran Parkway): Applicant Kerry O'Brien explained that a tree had damaged the existing detached garage, which was partially within a sewer easement. Relocating the proposed two-story accessory structure outside the easement required a 16-foot encroachment into the 40-foot rear setback. O'Brien stated that the chosen location was the only feasible option given easements, building code constraints, and turning-radius safety concerns, and noted that neighbors had submitted letters of support.
Case 2026-0011 (4805 Jett Road): Rebecca Altamirano of Mosaic Design and Build described severe site constraints—steep topography, corner-lot setbacks, buffers, and easements—leaving only 12.6% of the 2-acre property developable without a variance. The proposed 857-square-foot guest house would reuse an existing garage footprint and provide accessible living for an aging parent. Property owner Chris Graham emphasized the family's desire to care for his mother and keep her on the property. No members of the public spoke in opposition to either case.
Case 2026-0008 – Variance for Accessory Structure at 4630 Mount Paran Parkway
Case 2026-0011 – Variance for Guest House at 4805 Jett Road
New Business – Comprehensive Plan and Parks Master Plan Updates
Good evening, everyone. I'd like to call the September 2nd, 2026 Board of Appeals meeting to order. Thank you all for being here tonight. We do have two cases on the agenda this evening, and as we move through the cases, I'd like to make sure we give the applicants, staff, and members uh of the public an opportunity to be heard and that we keep our discussion focused on the applicable variance criteria and the facts presented to the board. Madam Clerk, will you please proceed with roll call? Thank you, Vice Chair. Good evening, Vice Chair and members of the Board of Appeals. Today is September the 2nd, 2026. Please confirm your attendance as I call your name. Today, Chair, Madam Chair Sherry Allen is absent. Um filling in for her is Vice Chair Justin Sperano. Here. Here. Okay. Board Member Jason Bodwell. He's absent. Board Member Jeff Howe. Present. Board Member Nathan Guntham. Board Member Susan Major. Here. Board Member Kim Gay. Your attendance have been confirmed and will be included in the official meeting minutes. Now I will read the announcements regarding the decorum and procedures of the board of appeals meeting. The board of appeals duty is to review and decide on appeals of the of the administrative decisions and interpretation of the development code. Appeals regarding approvals or denial of a preliminary or final plat without any dedication and variances from the standards of the development code. Decisions of the Board of Appeals are final. Those not satisfied with the decision of the Board of Appeals may pursue an appeal with the Fulton County Superior Court within 30 days, 30 calendar days of the decision. Denials of any applications bars resubmital of the application for one year. This is located in section 11.6.2.h of the development code. The petition will be heard in the sequence listed on the posted agenda. Following are some of the rules and procedures for this part of the meeting. The applicant may choose to save some of the time for rebuttal following the presentation by the opposition. The opposition will be allowed a total of 10 minutes to present its position. Since the burden of proof is upon the applicant, the applicant will be allowed to make closing remarks, provided time remain from the original allotted time. Staff will keep track of the time for both sides. Those called to speak will be taken in the order the public coming cards were received by the planet and zoning clerk prior to the beginning of tonight's meeting. All speakers will identify themselves by name, address, and if applicable, organization before beginning their presentation. Demonstration of any sort within the chamber is prohibited. So please refrain from any applause, cheering, booing, outburst, or any dialogue when the person is speaking. Please show the same respects to the person speaking that you will expect to receive. The applicant shall not submit materials to the board of appeals during the meeting. All materials should be submitted to the community development department at least 30 days prior to the scheduled meeting for inclusion in the normal distribution of packaging to the board. Thank you, Vice Chair. Thank you. Next, I'd like to move to the approval of meeting agenda. Board members, will you please review the agendas presented? And are there any additions, deletions, or changes to the proposed agenda? Is there a motion?