PHOTO BY RENEA KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
TOWER … The discussion was about whether the board would even consider allowing a resident to put up a fire watch tower on their own property.
By: Renea Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
renea@thevillagereporter.com
The Fulton County Board of Zoning Appeals met for its regular session on Thursday evening, where members addressed a variance request from the Kaiser family and discussed an unusual proposal involving the reconstruction of a 112-foot fire watchtower near Delta.
The meeting began with roll call, followed by approval of minutes from the previous session. With no corrections or additions, the board moved into new business.
The first matter concerned a request from the Kaiser family, whose home recently sustained significant interior fire damage. While the structure’s exterior remains intact, the family sought permission to temporarily place a mobile home on their property while repairs are completed.
Board members were informed that the health department confirmed the property’s existing well and septic system would support the temporary housing.
The family has hired a contractor to complete the interior restoration, and the temporary unit would serve as their residence during construction.
Discussion among board members focused on the duration of the variance and removal requirements once the home repairs are finished.
It was noted that similar temporary housing had been granted in the past following home losses and that the unit would likely remain for less than a year.
After discussion, the board voted to approve the temporary housing variance for up to one year, with the stipulation that the structure be removed upon completion of the home’s restoration.
Following that decision, the board turned to a preliminary inquiry involving property on County Road D, just outside Delta, known locally as Dutch Ridge Ranch.
The property is owned by Kevin Gray, who, according to representatives, is interested in relocating and reconstructing a 112-foot fire watchtower from southern Ohio onto his land.
The tower, originally used for forest observation, would be dismantled, restored, and reassembled on-site. According to the discussion, the owner intends to repurpose the tower for personal use.
Zoning officials explained that current county building regulations limit structure height to 30 feet, meaning the proposed tower would require a substantial variance.
The FAA was consulted and confirmed that the tower’s height would not require a beacon light and does not fall within any active flight paths.
While some members expressed interest in reviewing a formal application, others raised concerns about the structure’s height, potential visibility, and precedent for future exceptions. Members also questioned the absence of any identifiable hardship and the requirement for granting a variance.
After discussion, board members agreed they would be willing to hear a formal variance application should one be submitted, but emphasized that significant justification and engineering documentation would be required. No official action was taken.
The meeting concluded at 6:23 p.m. with confirmation that the next session of the Fulton County Board of Zoning Appeals will take place on Tuesday, November 18, at 5:00 p.m.
