Developers for the biggest housing project underway in Senoia hit a small roadblock Monday in their quest to keep building homes.

Dave Herron, who represents D.R Horton homebuilder, asked the City Council for four variances in the Heritage Pointe Subdivision rising out of the red clay on Rockaway Road.

Herron wanted the front yard setbacks reduced on two lots to 20 feet, while the other two lots he sought reductions to 25 feet and 30 feet. The current city requirement for a front-yard setback is 35 feet and Herron said the variance was necessary on two of the lots because of the marshy backyard. He wanted the smaller reductions on the other two lots, so the street would have a more unified streetscape.

Most of the City Council was not inclined to go along with granting the variance until more information was received.

“We’re early in the development and you’re already seeking variances,” said Councilman Bill Wood.

Councilman Perry Benson suggested the developer wait until the end of the first phase to develop the questionable lots, and said he wanted to represent the best interests of the people.

Herron said the swampy conditions were not revealed in the aerial topography of the property and he already had a customer who was interested in buying one of the lots.

When Benson suggested he might try placing a smaller home or a unique design on the property, Herron said that was not an option.

Wood suggested the City Council table the issue until March 6, so the City Council had an opportunity to walk the property.

The council agreed, but Mayor Robert Belisle, who voiced opposition to the variances, said that probably wouldn’t make a difference.

“I’ve walked it and it’s not going to change my mind,” he said.

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