The Peachtree City Council is considering a possible relaxing of its setback rules for homes that back up to city-owned greenbelts.

The matter was discussed at a workshop meeting Tuesday as a way to encourage the improvement of homes particularly on small-sized lots. Under the proposal, residents could petition council for a variance to encroach up to 25 percent of the setback, which would allow them to expand the size of their home from the rear.

City Planner David Rast noted that such expansions would not affect neighbors in the residents’ backyards because of the presence of the city-owned greenbelt.

But Councilwoman Cyndi Plunkett said she was skittish about approving such a plan that would address only residents that live with their rear yard adjacent to a greenbelt.

There was also some discussion about the city being flooded with such variance requests. Plunkett said she would only agree to consider such variances if the homeowner doesn’t otherwise have room to expand their home.

Councilman Don Haddix said he wanted to be sure the city doesn’t cross into having to make subjective decisions on such variances.

Because the meeting was in a workshop format Council did not vote on the proposal, which will come up for a formal vote at a later date.

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