Kandy Bond

The meeting included the adoption of the agenda following the withdrawal of application V-2025-011 and the continuance of V-2025-012 to the December 18, 2025 meeting. The Commission also amended the minutes from the September 18, 2025 meeting to reflect a member's reason for tabling a previous item. Updates on Board of Commissioners actions included the approval of four rezoning applications (RZ-2025-021, RZ-2025-022, RZ-2025-023) and the approval of Variance V-2025-009. New business consisted of the approval of four subsequent rezoning applications: RZ-2025-024 (AG to RR), RZ-2025-025 (AG to AI for poultry houses), RZ-2025-026 (AG to RR), and RZ-2025-027 and RZ-2025-028, both involving boundary line adjustments resulting in RR zoning. The commission discussed responsibility for maintaining planning and zoning signs and welcomed a new administrative assistant.

The meeting involved adopting the agenda, which included amendments such as the withdrawal of V-2025-013 and C-2025-005, and extensions for RZ-2025-030 and V-2025-012. The commission also reviewed and noted actions taken by the Board of Commissioners regarding several rezone applications (RZ-2025-024 through RZ-2025-028). New business addressed applications for Rezone (RZ-2025-031 and RZ-2025-032), which were approved after discussion. RZ-2025-030 and V-2025-012 were granted extensions.

The meeting included the adoption of the current agenda and the minutes from the previous August meeting. Key updates from the Board of Commissioners detailed actions on several rezoning applications (RZ-2025-018, RZ-2025-019, RZ-2025-020), including denials and approvals related to Agricultural, Rural Residential, and Institutional zoning changes. New business featured three rezoning requests (RZ-2025-021, RZ-2025-022, RZ-2025-023) involving property owned by Wonder Stag LLC, all of which were approved. Additionally, the commission approved a variance request (V-2025-009) to reduce minimum lot frontage for a tract on Turnbull Road. A second variance request (V-2025-010) concerning intrafamily land transfers and subdivision lot creation near Georgia Highway No. 326 generated discussion regarding proper signage and advertisement before ultimately being approved.

The meeting involved approving the amended agenda, which included removing an item related to TSPLOST and postponing a zoning variance request (Item 8b) until the March 2, 2026 meeting. Key discussions included the denial of a conditional use permit for a group home in an RR zoning district. New business focused on approving a resolution to opt into HB581, discussing the recommendation to make Sewell Road a dead-end road with stipulations pending communication with the Board of Education and the State, and approving funding for the 2025 Water Meter Replacement project. The Board also approved a 90-day extension for the Water Meter Moratorium, along with updates on current water capacity, new well testing, and water supply contracts with Lavonia and Toccoa. The meeting concluded with an Executive Session to discuss Land Acquisition, Litigation, and Personnel matters.

The meeting commenced with a request from the County Attorney to postpone the public hearing for Zoning Item 3b until the March 2, 2026 agenda to allow for further review and document procurement, which was approved by a 4-0 vote with the Chair recused. The modified agenda was then approved. Under New Business (Zoning Items), the Board heard an application for a Conditional Use Permit (C-2025-006) for a Group Home in an RR zoning district. The applicant detailed that the facility is for disabled veterans and individuals with disabilities, emphasizing strict monitoring and a zero-tolerance policy. Several residents voiced opposition due to concerns about safety, lack of immediate resources, and the nature of the proposed facility in a residential neighborhood. Following extensive questioning regarding staffing, funding, and tenant structure, the Board did not immediately vote. Variance application V-2025-012, concerning a reduction in the residential build front setback in an Agricultural Intensive district, was postponed to March 2, 2026, as agreed upon during the agenda approval phase. The meeting concluded with an adjournment motion.