It was only 25 feet, but that was too much for Tyrone Planning Commission. A variance request May 31 to reduce setbacks on corner lots in the new John Wieland Rivercrest subdivision on Ga. Highway 74 failed by a 3-1 vote.

Wieland representative Chip Perschino made his bid to have setbacks on corner lots reduced from 50 feet to 25 feet. Perschino gave several justifications for the request, saying the move would reduce the size of affected driveways and would result in a reduction of impervious surface. Reduced setbacks would also provide a better streetscape and enhance the development’s rural feel, he said.

“We’re just trying to do the right thing and protect the look and feel of the neighborhood,” Perschino said.

The bottom line, said town consultant Jonathan Lewis, is that while there may be positive results from granting a variance the applicant has not demonstrated a hardship.

“The standards were already in place so this amounts to a self-imposed hardship,” Lewis said.

Commissioners agreed, voting 3-1 to deny the variance request due to a lack of hardship. Commissioner Kevin Edwards voted in opposition to the motion.

As planned, Rivercrest sits on 219.5 acres and includes 50 percent open space. The development will be the site of 155 homes ranging from 3,000-5,000 square feet and an average lot size of .62-acres.

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