The Coweta

County Commission decided to get tough Tuesday morning on

allowing variances to building lots after work has

already been done on the house.

For the

last six months, the commissioners have dealt with

several builders and homeowners seeking variances after

discovering that their homes extended into buffer areas

or did not meet the setback requirements.

During

Tuesday morning's meeting, the commissioners voted to

implement a second permit after the foundation has been

laid to try and cut down on the variances.

The

commissioners have told the county's staff for the last

six months to come up with a proposal that would get the

commissioners out of potentially sticky situations.

"Every

one of these variances make these five people up here

look bad. We're put in the position of telling people to

tear up their dream," said Commissioner Charlie

Jones.

Commissioner

Jim McGuffey said he was tired of people ignoring the

county's ordinances and something had to be done.

The

county's new regulations will now cause the builder to

apply for another permit before any walls or significant

structure is added to the foundation. County officials

believe this will be the best remedy to stop builders

from trying to defy the county's setback requirements.

If somebody

still defies the ordinances and asks for a variance, the

commissioners made it quite clear what will happen.

"If

you do it again, you'll have to tear down the

house," said Commissioner Vernon "Mutt"

Hunter.