Woo!
» Mhm.
» Thank you.
It wouldn't have mattered if I hadn't
been here. I'd still forget that.
» Good evening.
I'd like to welcome everyone to the
August 6th, 2026 meeting of the Walton
County Planning Commission.
Uh thank you all for being here.
I'm happy to be back. How many of y'all
were watching TV in the '80s?
Some of y'all with the same hair color
as me didn't raise your
Y'all didn't want to raise your hand,
you know.
How many of you remember Welcome Back,
Kotter?
Okay, here I am.
I'm back after 2 months. Welcome Back,
Kotter. I am glad to be here. I'm
appreciative of Tim Camp, who is not
here at the moment, uh but uh stepped in
as chairman in my absence for 2 months.
I greatly appreciate that, but I'm so
pleased to be back and thank everyone uh
else that has been here and been a part
of uh decision making
of the cases for the last couple of
months.
Uh this evening
uh I want to let everybody know if if
there is a time that you would like to
gain knowledge of anything that's on our
agenda and you can at can't attend, you
can always join us on Walton County
Facebook Live and view those meetings. I
know Tracy
in my absence, I tried one night and
there was been a little bit of an issue
with Facebook. Well, we got that
corrected. So, we're up and everything's
going well there.
Our the meeting tonight, the cases that
we hear tonight will be heard by the
Board of Commissioners on September the
1st. The Planning Commission we will
meet again on September the 3rd.
Uh
I'm going to go over a little bit of
housekeeping real quick with you and
this is part of
what we try to do and keep in our
meeting moving forward as best we can.
So, I'm going to call and ask for the
applicants for the cases to come up and
give us the information as to what their
requests are.
Uh
and then after I have done that, I will
ask for any opposition. I set this aside
for 10 minutes for each side. That's 10
minutes for each side, not 10 minutes
for each individual.
So, obviously the applicant is usually
one. The opposition could be multiple.
If you guys could work with us either by
having one person who speaks on behalf
of a group or if you would be very
mindful that there's others who want to
speak and keep your uh comments as
condensed as possible and then lastly
if someone mentions something,
uh it's not really necessary for someone
else to come up and tell us the same
thing over. What I would like to do is
if someone comes up after someone has
spoken that they would be able to convey
something that we have not heard or
concerned that we have not heard. So, if
y'all could help us out with that, we
would greatly appreciate it.
And with that, I am going to ask Josh
Ferguson if he'll open us in prayer.
When he is finished with prayer, we're
going to turn around and face the flag
here and and have the pledge. If y'all
would join us with that, we would
greatly appreciate it.
>> Let's pray.
» Let's pray.
Dear heavenly Father, Lord, we just come
to you tonight thanking you for the um
ability to be in good health enough to
to come to this meeting. Uh Lord, we
thank you for the uh privilege to be
able to do do so.
Father God, I just pray that tonight uh
you will let cooler heads prevail and
allow us um
to make well-thought and meaningful
decisions on behalf of the county.
Uh Father God, I just ask all these
things in Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
>> Amen.
All right, thank you guys. We really
appreciate you doing that. At this time,
I would like to show that all members
are present with the exception of Tim
Killop and Chris Alexander.
So, those two are absent tonight.
Before I open up the open uh the opening
format uh public format of our meeting,
I would like to ask if any of the
representatives have any cases that they
would like to table before I open public
comment.
None? Very good. At this time, if each
one of you has had an opportunity to
review our minutes from our last
meeting, if you would please uh if
there's no additions or alterations that
need to be made, I will take a motion
for approval or if there is something
that needs to be modified, if you would
please let us know.
>> Motion to approve.
» Motion to approve.
>> I have a motion, do I have a second?
» I have a motion, do I have a second?
>> Second.
» Second.
>> All in favor, raise your right hand and
» All in favor, raise your right hand and
say, "Aye."
>> Aye.
» Aye.
>> Thank you so very much.
So, we do have um on our agenda for the
evening, as I now will open the public
portion of our meeting. Uh one case, uh
old business, and we will be going to
that first.
So, this will be Z260159
to rezone a portion of a parcel
uh 4 acres from R1 to A1 to have
personal outside animals. Applicant
owner Fig Leaf Risk Advisors LLC,
property located at 3084 Brooks Trail.
Is that applicant here?
>> Yes.
» Yes.
>> Okay, if you could step up to the podium
» Okay, if you could step up to the podium
and please tell us what your plans are
or what you're trying to accomplish here
with your zoning request.
» Um good evening, Mr. Chairman and
members of the Planning Commission. Uh
my name is Michael Campbell
and we thank you for the time to hear
our requests. My wife and I are
requesting approximately 4 acres
of our 83-acre property to be rezoned
from R1
residential to A1. Our goal is simple.
We want to use a small portion of our
property as a hobby farm
for our family while preserving the
natural rural character of the land. The
Homeowners Association publicly claimed
that our property was subject to the HOA
restrictions and stated that its
attorney had prepared an opinion
supporting that position.
We respectfully requested a copy of that
opinion so that we could better
understand their position.
But our request was denied.
Because of the conflicting information,
we sought legal counsel
to better understand the issues
surrounding our property.
While these legal questions
>> [clears throat]
» [clears throat]
>> are still unresolved, we've made every
» are still unresolved, we've made every
effort to be transparent
and forthcoming by sharing the
information and findings available to us
throughout this process.
I mention this only because it explains
why there's been confusion surrounding
our property.
I understand the declarations itself is
not the issue before you tonight.
I'm not asking the commission
to resolve the legal that legal
question. My request this evening is
simply for the rezoning
of 4 acres based on the merits of the
application.
Turning to rezoning itself,
>> [snorts]
» [snorts]
>> we believe this request is both
» we believe this request is both
reasonable and compatible with the
surrounding area.
We are seeking A1 zoning on only 4 acres
of the land that exceeds 80.
Much of the land surrounding is already
zoned A1,
making this request consistent with the
nearby land uses.
This is not a request for agricultural a
commercial agriculture,
a livestock operation,
or an intensive use of the property.
We simply want a small hobby farm
with a limited number of animals for our
families' enjoyment.
The animals will remain in a fenced area
on our property. The land where the
animals will graze
is simply approximately 200 ft from the
nearest neighboring property line.
We intentionally chose that location
because
it's closest to our residence,
minimizes additional land disturbance,
makes our daily care practical.
This request will not increase
residential density.
It will not create significant traffic.
It will not require additional public
infrastructure.
Instead, it will preserve open space
and maintain the rural character that
drew us to Walton County.
We've worked diligently to comply with
the county's requirements throughout
this process.
We've made every effort to be respectful
of both our neighbors
and the county.
I understand that change can sometimes
create concern.
I simply ask this application be
considered based on the facts before you
and the planning merits of the rezoning
request.
We believe this is an appropriate,
low-impact
agricultural use that is compatible with
the surrounding area and consistent with
Walton County's
rural heritage. Thank you for your time,
your consideration, your service to the
community,
and we respectfully ask for your
approval of our request.
>> Thank you.
» Thank you.
At this time, just stay right there if
you don't mind for sir. At this time, is
there any questions from any of the
board members for this applicant?
>> To what extent
» To what extent
would the would the hobby farm be
What what are you proposing?
>> Um we're trying to do um four sheep,
» Um we're trying to do um four sheep,
four goats, and up to 12 chickens, and
that would be the max. And we're just
trying to graze the
I'm sorry. Um four chickens I'm sorry.
Four goats, four sheep, 12 chickens
would be the maximum we're asking for.
We only have three stalls, which is 440
square feet of the barndominium would
actually be allocated for animals, so
it's a kind of a small space, so we
really couldn't do any more than that in
the barndominium.
Um
and it's really to graze the hill going
down is a sloped hill, and it would keep
us from having to use a tractor
um or, you know, something else to
graze that for us.
» Thank you. Any additional questions?
>> You currently live in the
» You currently live in the
the barndominium or in an adjoining
home?
>> Um our home is on the lot right next
» Um our home is on the lot right next
door. It's 3085 Brooks Trail on a 3-acre
lot. Um the 86 acres only has the
barndominium and we're using it um
to help our family aging family members
and um have small groups and stuff like
that in it. So, it's not a like we're
not going to be living in it.
>> So, you won't have a a permanent
» So, you won't have a a permanent
residence at that barndominium?
>> No, it will it will be in our
» No, it will it will be in our
possession, but not a residence.
>> Okay.
» Okay.
>> I'm sorry, I'll talk up. I'm sorry.
» Josh, uh
I I don't know if it's worthy, but maybe
whoever could not hear the last reply,
if you want to repeat what the applicant
said there to your question.
>> Sure. Um the barndominium will not be
» Sure. Um the barndominium will not be
used for our um residence. We built it
our aging parents um live in Idaho, and
we wanted to provide a spot for them. Um
you know, if they want to snowbird here,
um and also, you know, when family comes
into town, it's primarily a residence,
and then we have a large garage area
that's um heated and cooled, not
appropriate for animals, that will be
used for like a small group space or
um if we ever had, you know, a vehicle
or something that we needed to store
there.
» Okay. Any other questions?
>> But the only access you have is through
» But the only access you have is through
the community, right?
>> It is.
» It is.
>> nothing out to 81
» nothing out to 81
>> Correct.
» Correct.
>> Correct. And um our house is the only
» Correct. And um our house is the only
house on the cul-de-sac, so we do share
one side of the cul-de-sac is our
driveway to our residence, the other
side of the driveway is to the
barn-dominium.
Um and I know that some of you may be
concerned about the gravel, um and we
will address that. We are it's part of
the building process um that we will
make an apron, make sure that that
gravel is taken care of.
>> The barn-dominium, did you
» The barn-dominium, did you
It don't really go with a community over
there. Did y'all go through the HOA to
get approval of what you built?
>> We did. We We did not think that we were
» We did. We We did not think that we were
subject to the
um HOA covenants, but as a courtesy, we
did go to the HOA and ask for a metal
building to be built um that size and
approximately that location. We did have
to turn the building, and I do have a
I might have I don't know if I actually
added it to your paperwork, but we did
have to turn the building. I think it's
like
maybe 35° or 40° from where we said it
would be.
Um it does make it slightly more
visible, unfortunately, because we
turned it a little bit. And I know that
that's a concern that we are hoping to
address um and hoping we can talk to the
HOA board about that, which we've never
had any communication with the HOA board
about this yet, the current sitting
board.
» Okay. Thank you.
Anyone else?
I've got a few questions, but I'm going
to bring them I'm going to hold them for
uh your time of rebuttal. So, we
appreciate it. You guys can have a seat.
Is there anyone here tonight in
opposition to this request?
All right. So, obviously I can't give 10
minutes to each one of y'all out there.
Hopefully y'all have somebody who can
speak on their path or the ones that I'm
going to call up can be timely.
Yep. Okay. So, or by you standing, does
that mean you're walking?
Come to the podium, give us your name,
address, and then state your concerns.
» Uh Mr. Chairman, my name is Ed Fair and
my mother and I live
in the neighborhood, 1620 Bluff Creek
Trail.
And we're here in opposition to the
rezoning.
If you look at the application for this
rezoning, I think it's page 10
on tonight's agenda.
The reason says, quote,
"To allow appropriate tax classification
for the structure
and to permit raising farm animals on
the property."
End quote.
A little bit about that structure.
It's already built.
It's quite large and it's far out of
character in the neighborhood.
And it was built despite much opposition
from the neighbors.
If the owner didn't understand the tax
implications of building his structure,
that's on him.
And if he didn't understand the
livestock restrictions on his property,
that's on him, too.
So, now he's trying to turn his problems
into our problems.
So, even if he promises only to do
one, two, and three with the property
today, there's nothing to stop him or
the next owner in the future
from doing five, six, and seven,
eight, nine, and 10.
For example,
put a cell phone tower up.
Put some electrical lines through the
neighborhood.
Or open a Airbnb.
So, it's for these reasons that we
would ask you to
deny the application. Thank you.
>> Thank you, sir.
Well, you jumped up, so I don't know
what I'm going to tell you now. I don't
know.
I may I I'm not Once you jump up, I
ain't going to tell you no. What would
your husband tell you?
>> He doesn't tell me no.
» He doesn't tell me no.
>> Okay.
» Okay.
>> Um my name is Jessica Seifert. I live in
» Um my name is Jessica Seifert. I live in
Alcovy Bluff.
Um
many of our neighbors has have asked me
to speak tonight on their behalf
regarding this rezoning request. Um
thank you for the opportunity to speak.
Um we as a community respectfully ask
that you deny this request to rezone
these four acres of the property from R1
to A1.
Um this is not about opposing anyone's
desire to own farm animals or have a
hobby farm. We respect private property
rights.
Um
we also understand that the county has
the authority to approve this request if
it determines it is appropriate.
However, with that authority comes the
responsibility to consider whether the
proposed zoning is compatible with the
surrounding area, serves the public
interest, and will benefit not only the
applicant, but the surrounding
community.
Tonight's decision will affect far more
than one property owner.
So, I do have a picture here. Um it's an
aerial photograph from Google Maps. Um
and it shows why this request is
different. I probably should have given
it to you beforehand, but it shows that
there's only one entrance. There's only
one way to access this property.
And so while there are agricultural
properties, I know he said there are
many agricultural properties surrounding
the area, those are not accessed through
Alcove Bluffs.
Um they're accessed from outside roads.
So any future use of this property will
directly affect the families who live
there every day.
There are more than 160 families
invested in Alcove Bluffs because it is
an established residential community.
The application states that the purpose
of this rezoning is to allow a
residence, pasture, a barn with animal
stalls, and an orchard and garden for
personal use. It sounds harmless and we
respect those intentions. However, A1
zoning stays with the land, not the
owner.
Today's proposal may be for personal
use, but your decision will affect every
future owner of this property.
So in the rezoning application, it also
says that um this property is not part
of a subdivision.
And we did have um a title search done.
I have that um certificate. I did submit
that to the county for y'all's um review
beforehand.
Um happy to give it to you also. Um and
and the entire community, but I did
send a message out to the community with
a summary of that that said exactly what
it was. So um
We've also been told by the county that
enforcing private covenants is
ultimately the responsibility of the HOA
and I completely understand that. Uh
we're not asking you to enforce our
covenants.
But we do not believe that lessens the
commission's responsibility to make its
recommendation based on complete and
accurate information.
So um
We simply ask that the commission
carefully consider all of the relevant
information before making a permanent
zoning recommendation.
While the Campbells did request approval
for the barndominium
from the HOA, they did not approach the
current board with their intentions
before requesting this rezoning.
We learned about it when you put the
signs up.
Um also,
many homeowners are concerned because of
what has already occurred on this
property. When the approval for the
barndominium was requested from the HOA
board, the written request stated that
the structure would be positioned so
that it would not be visible from the
street.
Today, the completed structure is
clearly visible from Brooks Trail.
Particularly during the winter months
when the trees have no leaves.
Because of that experience, many
homeowners are asking the commission to
carefully consider not only the
applicant's current intentions, but also
the long-term consequences of
permanently changing the zoning of this
property.
Through records obtained from Walton
County open records requests,
many open records requests, sorry. Uh
we were unable to identify another
barndominium approved on R-1 zoned
property. While every application should
be considered individually, this appears
to be an unusual situation that has
affected many homeowners in our
community.
Tonight's decision isn't about a
barndominium, but it's also not just
simply about 4 acres either.
It's about balancing the rights of one
property owner with the impact on an
established residential community.
We can't go back and change the
decisions that have already been made on
this property,
but the commission does have the
opportunity to shape what happens going
forward. We respectfully ask that you
preserve the residential character of
Alcove Bluffs by denying this rezoning
request.
Thank you for your time and your
consideration and also your service to
Walton County.
>> Thank you.
Thank you. Uh any questions for this
person that's in opposition here?
Thank you, ma'am.
Who else uh Who has something to state
about this request that has not yet been
stated because
from now on, we're getting close to our
time limit. If I start hearing things
that's going to be stated, I'm either
going to ask you to move on or let
somebody else come up, okay? So, just
give me something different. That's all
I'm asking for.
Sir, state your name, your address, and
tell us what your concerns are.
>> Dan Reynolds. I'm at uh 1490 1429 Bluff
» Dan Reynolds. I'm at uh 1490 1429 Bluff
Creek Trail in Alcovy Bluff subdivision.
Um
what I think it's important to note is
that once this rezoning does go into
place, and even though we've been told
this evening there's going to be a
couple of chickens, maybe a goat, and a
dog,
the zoning does provide for large hoofed
animals,
horses, cows, etc. And they can be two
per fenced acre. That means on 4 acres,
we can have up to eight of any one of
those. Also, multiple when it comes to
goats, sheep, etc., you can have up to
eight per acre. Now, what concerns us is
not necessarily what happens tomorrow,
but what happens next year because once
the zoning takes place,
these rules are in place forever. That
someone could take over this piece of
property and basically start not a hobby
farm, but a real farm. One thing to
note, if cattle's put on there, just
eight cows produce,
and I used Walton County Extension
Service University of Georgia to get
these numbers, but at 4,500 lb per
month,
four head of cattle produce 36,000
lb of waste each and every month.
What's going to happen to that waste?
Where does it go?
Back through our neighborhood?
Or is Or is that property going to be
able to sustain that?
Um the prevailing winds there come off
that property
uh
being west
by northwest back through the
neighborhood each and every day and
that's also given to me
>> [clears throat]
» [clears throat]
>> by the extension service.
» by the extension service.
Uh community health effects from those
who live within 200 ft of this can can
be quite uh
it can be a problem when you have this
type of waste taking place.
Elderly people, small children, asthma,
COPD, etc. There are lots of reasons not
to let this go to an A1 configuration
where you can have that many animals on
that piece of land
be it tomorrow or 2 years from now.
There are too many people that live
within 200 ft of this.
Thank you for your time.
>> Thank you, sir.
All right, now two of y'all jumped up
same time.
Okay.
State your name and address. Tell us
what you have.
>> Clinton Bostwick, 1609 Bluff Creek
» Clinton Bostwick, 1609 Bluff Creek
Trail.
And I
I have a
a summary of what y'all basically
already heard. I'd like to pass it to
y'all guys if that's cool.
>> Yeah, that's fine.
» Thank you.
» Thank you, sir.
>> Thank you.
I'm sorry.
So basically that's a summary of what
you've already heard or some of it
tonight. And I have 75 signatures
that the neighbors signed to that
that that basically agreed with those
statements.
>> Do you have those signatures with you?
» Do you have those signatures with you?
>> Yes.
» Yes.
>> Would you please hand them to Ms. Tracy?
» Thank you for your time.
>> Yep, thank you. Sir.
Tell me something I haven't heard.
New and improved.
>> Uh my name's David Johnson. I live at
» Uh my name's David Johnson. I live at
1625 Bluff Creek Trail, and I'm a
20-year resident of Bluff Creek, and
before that lived in a neighborhood in
Loganville with no HOA, and it was the
suburban wild west. It was anything
goes, and when we finally escaped there,
we lost tens of thousands of dollars in
equity because of what other people were
just
willingly allowed to do.
And that's our concern here as we're
dealing with this.
>> I'm sorry, yes. And that's our concern
» I'm sorry, yes. And that's our concern
here as we face the situation. As people
have said, they we know what the plans
have been stated for this, but they've
been very fluid and vague throughout,
and we're not really sure what could
happen, but we do know one thing that
that's of concern, and the bottom line
is this is that
the plans could potentially be very
beneficial
for the owner and whatever they plan to
do,
but for the rest of the community, for
all the rest of the people,
it's going to have zero benefit, and the
fact is it could potentially have a very
negative impact on us and on what is for
most of us our biggest investment. So,
with
that being said, we do request that you
not allow the rezoning to go through.
Thank you.
Thank you, sir.
Is anyone who has something new to add
that's here in opposition that I we as a
board have not heard?
Yes, ma'am.
Please come to the microphone, state
your name and address, and then tell us
what you have.
» Linda Dudish, 1601 Bluff Creek Trail. I
just want to remind I don't I haven't
heard every
every person, but I don't it has been
brought up. This actually impacts three
different cul-de-sacs, not just one,
which is next to the house,
um the actual resident
residents. And then the other thing was
that
we were told
we would not be able to see the
barndominium.
And this is part of the permit.
But the barndominium is already built,
and it's very visible.
That's all.
>> Thank you.
» Thank you.
Anyone else?
All right, thank you so much. Sir, I'm
going to ask that you come back up for
rebuttal.
» Um I think that some Go ahead.
>> Yeah, pull it. Yeah, you're you're kind
» Yeah, pull it. Yeah, you're you're kind
of tall there.
>> Um I think that some of um
» Um I think that some of um
the concerns about um if we are in the
HOA and within the restrictions, and we
understand if we are in the HOA and
we're in the restrictions, obviously we
will not have animals. This is only um
if the lawyers find that we are indeed
outside of the covenants, um which right
now is still
am- ambiguous. We're still doing our
research to figure that out. Um also, I
did want to say that there is a petition
with lots of signatures, and I do
believe there was a lot of signatures
there with information that wasn't
accurate. I know that there was a rumor
going around that it was a petting zoo
um that we were trying to have there,
and without um a number of other um
um approval,
we can't do a petting zoo at 81. That
was never our intent um and that's
something that would go through more
scrutiny and more regulations and we
just we wouldn't be able to do that and
um
we also did try to approach the board.
At this point, we've never talked to
anybody on the HOA the current sitting
HOA board, although we've reached out um
twice through email.
I think
>> Also, my cell phone has been on the
» Also, my cell phone has been on the
thread for every single neighbor to
call. Two have called.
Two.
>> Thank you.
» Thank you.
>> Um we've also we've also um
» Um we've also we've also um
um approached the um
the um
I think we have approached the HOA
president um via text and phone and um
the management company, although I know
they're not the current management
company, but we have approached them and
they said that they would not be sharing
any information with us. So um
yeah, we've made attempts and I do
understand that um seeing
the the barn is distressing for a lot of
people and we do want to address that
and we know that you know
possibly putting up a gate is something
that might help, but without
communication with the board um HOA
board, we wouldn't want to do anything
like that and we have planted um some
some shrubs and stuff that will grow and
hopefully it will at some point
completely be obstructed from any view
from any cul-de-sac. Um and then also um
we did get
an evaluation
of our property from a very reputable
real estate agent and I'd like to share
that information with you guys. Um right
now the barndominium will be valued um
as the highest um
the
Yeah, it'll be the most expensive
structure in the neighborhood if it's
sold for what the real estate agent is
asking.
>> This this structure
» This this structure
will bring the value of the neighborhood
up.
That's what we need to say.
>> Right.
» Right.
So,
uh I'm going to ask while they're up
here if you guys can kind of help me
out.
Don't Okay, if you can't hear, you can
let us know you can't hear, but uh
please no outburst. They were very
polite. They sat over there while you
spoke in opposition and didn't
interrupt. And for you guys to
ad-lib while they're up there, I think
it's a little bit disrespectful. So, if
you could help us with that, I'd
appreciate it.
>> Sir, can I mention one other thing, too?
» Sir, can I mention one other thing, too?
>> Sure.
» Sure.
>> So, on the communication to the board
» So, on the communication to the board
on the communication to the board on the
Facebook page, there is a communication
that went out to the HOA.
And in that communication,
there is a
a notice saying if we wanted to get the
results
of a legal opinion,
it was right there.
You can ask for it and we'll give it to
you. Within 5 minutes, I asked for it.
And I did not hear any communication,
and then later on, it was denied.
And so, in this process, we've tried to
be communicative.
We've We're sick over this. This has
been a
terrible situation, and we are nervous
as all get out. And we have tried to be
respectful of these Facebook boards that
have said terrible
incorrect information.
This has not been a hard an easy process
for us.
And in it we've tried to be kind
throughout it.
And we operated with the information
that we had. That's it.
» Thank you.
Um I've got a couple of questions for
you and I'll open it up to any of the
other board members have a question as
well.
Um
I'm going to make some assumptions just
to asking you if you could just kind of
answer these because they're just
helping me filter things through my
mind.
Um you guys purchased this property and
when you did so
you went to an attorney's office for a
closing.
And
for whatever
sum you paid for the property you were
given a deed to this property. Is that
correct?
>> Yes, sir.
» Yes, sir.
>> Was that deed for the entirety or was it
» Was that deed for the entirety or was it
in different parcels?
>> There's two parcels.
» There's two parcels.
>> But so so you were given deed to two
» But so so you were given deed to two
separate parcels.
>> Correct.
» Correct.
>> Okay.
» Okay.
>> Correct.
» Correct.
>> Did
» Did
in remembrance of that
do you remember that either of those
parcels were identified by a lot number
regarding the neighborhood?
>> S- Sir, I I can't answer I don't know.
» S- Sir, I I can't answer I don't know.
>> Okay. Thank you. I I'm I'm just all I
» Okay. Thank you. I I'm I'm just all I
want you to do is answer what you know,
okay?
>> Yes, sir.
» Yes, sir.
>> There is not a plat
» There is not a plat
>> Were you
» Were you
Sir, were were you given uh a title
policy at closing a title insurance
policy at closing?
>> Yes, sir.
» Yes, sir.
>> Thank you.
I think that's probably all the
questions I have uh
for you guys at this time. Does any
other board members have any other
questions?
Uh I do have one more.
Has your use of the property from when
you initially bought it what your intent
to do with that property? Has it changed
from the time that you bought it till
today?
>> No, sir.
» No, sir.
>> So, you intended in the very beginning
» So, you intended in the very beginning
to have animals?
>> No. We
» No. We
we did not like we knew we wanted to use
the land in some way.
Um
>> So, just give me a yes or no. Was it the
» So, just give me a yes or no. Was it the
day you bought it, did you intend to
have animals?
>> No.
» No.
>> She said no.
» She said no.
>> [laughter]
» [laughter]
>> She's the boss.
» She's the boss.
>> Right. Well, I mean, you know, it's just
» Right. Well, I mean, you know, it's just
a honest real quick question, so no. So,
what that tells me is that since you've
owned the property there's been a change
of something that you guys have done
that you've had a change. You want to do
something different that
you got a large piece of property in
back of you there, too, so
>> Use it.
» Use it.
>> All right, very good. Any other
» All right, very good. Any other
questions from any other board members?
>> I have one.
» I have one.
>> Okay.
» Okay.
>> Uh
» Uh
correct me if I'm wrong, did you uh make
a statement that
you went through the HOA as far as the
location of the barndominium and they
requested it to be changed, the
direction of it?
>> No, um there's a piece of paper. I
» No, um there's a piece of paper. I
handed it to you. Um initially we had
told the HOA that it was going to be um
in that little yellow square on that
paper that I gave you. Um and then we
did have to rotate it because the grade
of the land was too sharp. We couldn't
actually get a stable enough foundation.
So, we did have to rotate the barn a
little bit, but um that was that was a
change that we made that um was
different than the HOA. But at the time
we honestly thought that the HOA we were
only being considerate and that we
didn't actually have to get their
approval. Um we were under the
assumption, well, not assumption. I
mean, it's even on um some of the Q
public says we're not in the HOA. Um and
plats that say we're not in the HOA and
our deed that says we're not in the HOA.
Um so, we did not think at the time that
we were in the HOA.
>> Okay, thanks.
» Okay, thanks.
>> Okay, thank you.
» Okay, thank you.
Any other questions?
Thank you all. We appreciate it.
Mhm.
» Yeah.
So, is there anyone here
>> [clears throat]
» [clears throat]
>> who would be a proponent of the
» who would be a proponent of the
applicant that would speak on their
behalf that is in favor of what they're
doing? Or their request?
All right, thank you.
So, at this time I'm going to
close the
public comment section
uh
for this request.
Uh I I
have a lot of stuff in
this this came to me. I wasn't here last
meeting. This was table.
Uh it came to me this afternoon. Uh I
have talked to multiple individuals this
afternoon
um regarding this case. Uh it's it's
quite odd.
I'm I'm going to look at this in three
different objective views.
One is I sit here as the chairman for
the planning commission. One
uh 28 years as a licensed realtor.
And thirdly,
uh
as a member of the community. So, I kind
of have
three different I live a very short
distance from this property.
Um
One thing that I asked questions
initially. I called Christie this
afternoon.
And my question was
Chris Christie, was there a final plat
for the neighbor neighborhood recorded?
And obviously, if you guys are living in
houses there, the answer is yes because
you could never get title to a property
without a recorded plat. That's where
the final recorded plat
indicates every lot that's in that
neighborhood and has a ton of notes that
are required by the development
department. It also shows each and every
lot usually on a sidebar.
It will indicate each lot in that
neighborhood.
My second question to Christie was
was the partial or any portion of the
partial
that is the request has been made for
tonight. Was any of either of those
partials given a lot number?
And Christie's answer was no.
I actually have in front of me while
we're sitting here. I just cuz I have
quick access to it. I've pulled up the
tax records.
And
I'm not going to say exclusively because
that would be a bit unfair.
Um but I will say predominantly
if I pull a tax record up and the
property I'm looking at is part of any
neighborhood
the name of the neighborhood is listed
on the tax report.
Neither of the partials, whether it be
the large partial they have or the
smaller partial which is being requested
tonight, neither of those pop up with a
subdivision name.
Um I just told you in what capacity I'm
viewing this. So the one I did not
mention and there's a fine lady sitting
out here with a blue dress on
uh
who would remind me quickly I'm not an
attorney.
Um
but after attending
hundreds and hundreds of closings
I will say there are certain things that
take place that we
adhere to and acknowledge.
And one of those is that as we have
clients who purchase in neighborhoods
that's tell us, "Hey, we would like to
have
a survey of our lot where we can install
a fence." Our reply is, "That's on a
final plat that's recorded for the
entirety of the neighborhood that shows
all of the lots and you can do so by
contacting a surveyor.
They will reference the final plat, find
your lot, find the dimensions, stake
your lot, build your fence, but you have
to go
and you have to find the final plat. It
shows every lot. If you're looking at a
5-acre out parcel, obviously it's going
to only show that 5 acres. There's just
one parcel. But in subdivisions, they're
recorded as a
final plat recording. At that time, also
deemed necessary would be if there's
going to be HOA or covenants that those
HOA that that the covenants would be
recorded at the same time.
The covenants would be applicable only
to in most cases, the lots that are
referenced on the plat that's being
recorded. It would be frivolous for
someone to put a neighborhood next to my
house
and then the HOA of that neighborhood
want to impose
their covenants on me because I'm not
listed on the plat.
So, in asting asking Christie
if their lot or their property is shown
on the final recorded plat for the
neighborhood and the answer being no,
then the only assessment I can make,
not being an attorney, but just trying
to conceptually understand things,
is that there should not be any
adherence by them if they're not on that
final recorded plat. I mean, that's just
me trying to use common logic.
So,
I I take that and then I start looking
at other things. And some of those being
the question that I ask,
"Was your intent when you bought the
property to have animals?" No.
"Well, do you have the right to change
your mind?" Certainly.
I've I've changed the use of my
property. I didn't have to change the
zoning, but I've changed the use of it
several times. You know, I used to have
cattle, now I don't. I do other things.
I mean, I you know, I just changed the
use of my property. So,
uh do I have the right to do that? Yeah,
I mean, I feel like I have a right. It's
my property. I paid for it, paying taxes
on it. So, I should have a right to use
it in the manner I wish to use it.
Um
So,
I'm I'm trying to just build in my mind
as I'm looking at this and then
I'm thinking about the rest of my agenda
tonight. I'm not trying to give fuel to
the fire,
but I have a couple of subdivision
requests tonight where we're going to
hear cases that are asking to be rezoned
from A1
to R1 for a neighborhood.
Uh I would like your participation in a
little bit if any of y'all can remember
that and your tenure in the neighborhood
is long enough.
Uh about 4 years ago, there was a
request to rezone 142 acres at the
corner of 81 and Double Springs Road to
R1 for a neighborhood. How many of y'all
remember that by raising your hand?
How many of you were opposed to it?
One guy. Come on, y'all be honest with
me now. How many of you Yes, ma'am, you
raised yours halfway. You must be
Baptist.
Uh
So, here's where I'm going.
I'm going to have people tonight who are
going to come to the podium as you guys
did,
and they're going to tell me why
I should really contemplate not allowing
the use of a subdivision on an
agricultural property
on the same night that I've got
someone who is wanting
to take a piece of property that's zoned
as a {quote} subdivision R1 and change
it to agricultural.
Secondly, the 142 acres after it was
zoned and it was zoned R1,
was then zoned back to A2. So, it
currently sits there as A2.
They can have the cattle. There's been
cattle there for years and some of you
guys was in support of the cattle and
not the houses.
The other thing I find most ironic
is with this property being zoned R1
without anyone coming before us and
simply going before Christie and the
plan and the development department
that property can be further utilized
today
if deemed so
as a continuing portion of a
neighborhood with easily
at a minimum of 70 lots
which means you're going to have 70 more
families commuting through your
neighborhood.
Okay? You're going to have the traffic
from the development itself tracking mud
and concrete trucks. It's the only
access point.
And you're going to have all the
constructions of all the houses being
built for the next five or six years.
And for me to think that you had rather
be imposed by that
as opposed to four animals, eight
animals, whatever
on 84
acres they own. I understand we're only
looking at four, but they have 84 acres
zoned R1.
Um
and if their future plans would be to to
alter that uh to A as well and I don't
know what their plans are, but I mean if
it was, it's much seems like it'd be
much less evasive
than 70 plus more families coming in out
of your neighborhood. That's just me. I
mean, that would be me. Doesn't mean it
coincides with everyone. So
um
I have been able
hopefully as you can tell to give a
whole lot of thought to this this
afternoon. And those are just some of
the thoughts that I came up with. And
the reason I bring those up is because I
didn't hear any of them mentioned
tonight. You know, as I was attentive to
what you guys were saying
I I didn't hear those things that were
said as to how can we look at this in a
different manner. What can the property
be used for?
I I'm I don't know what's going to
happen. I can tell you what's happened
in other counties around us.
Um
you know, if sewer ever becomes
available,
uh they follow
rivers for the flow of for sewer. And if
that were to ever I mean
84 acres, then you get three units to
the acre and you're looking at
almost 200 houses. I'm just saying,
somewhere down the road. Who knows? I
mean
but
that we're
against
farm animals and agriculture one moment
and then the other time you're here and
you're against homes because you want
the agriculture. I mean, I'm I'm in a
bit of a struggle. I don't have any hair
left, so I quit pulling my hair out a
long time ago. So, uh but it's just hard
for me to to understand. I don't take it
that I don't understand your concerns.
Um and I do have a question that if you
as a subdivision entity, and that'll be
determined obviously in a court system,
but if you have a way without them being
considered a lot number on a recorded
plat to impose your covenants upon them,
uh or if they should even seek your
approval. I mean, I don't know any of
that. None of us know it until it's
decided. So, ma'am, I I'm not coming
back to public comment.
I'm not Okay. I'm not I'm I'm good. So,
those are my concerns and those are just
some thoughts I had. I hope that you
guys will exercise those because this is
not a final decision tonight. This will
go before the Board of Commissioners.
That's where the decision will be made
final. Hopefully, it'll give you some
time to kind of both sides. I appreciate
the fact that you've offered your number
to to to the people in the community. Uh
I I'm hope you guys will communicate.
And uh
you know, maybe more common ground can
be found. Um
but I do find it quite an ironic
situation. So, with that, is there any
other discussion upon any of the members
of the board?
If not, I will ask for a motion
regarding this case.
>> Mr. Chairman, I'd like to make a motion.
» Mr. Chairman, I'd like to make a motion.
Um
in considering this application,
um
I'm looking at the appropriateness
uh
to the
current development patterns in the
area.
Um
I I appreciate your your explanation
there.
Um I don't think that the
fact that the
whether or not the covenants apply to
this property
uh is is not weighing on this decision.
Um that's something for the attorneys to
to sort out. Um the county does not
enforce uh
uh HOA covenants, as you're well aware.
Um but the the fact of the matter is
that the property is zoned R1
and was originally
included in the subdivision the proposed
subdivision of the property. The fact
that the property was not developed as
such does not
uh exclude it from that in my in my
view.
Um the access is solely through the
subdivision,
which uh additionally makes it uh
inappropriate, and for those reasons, uh
my recommendation would be for a denial.
>> Thank you.
» Thank you.
I have a motion. Do I have a second?
no second.
So, I am going to make a motion
that
with the conditions
four sheep, four goats, 12 chickens,
no more than that ever.
Okay?
Also, uh there was some considerate
there's concern brought up about a cell
tower.
Uh, that would have to come before us
before it was approved. There was
something else, another modified use
that you were concerned about would come
before us. Anything that might would
modify this property would have to come
back before us before anything can
happen other than what's being asked for
tonight.
Um, so with the conditions of that
limited amount of animals and again
being appreciative of the fact that's
been brought forth that we have no
governance over any covenants, I am
going to make a motion for approval of
this request and I will ask for a
second.
» Second.
>> I have a second. All in favor with your
» I have a second. All in favor with your
right hand and the second, raise your
hand and say I. I. It's three and two
that did not support the motion.
You got all that, Ms. Tracy?
Thank you.
All right, we're moving on with our
agenda for the evening.
Yeah, I'm I'm going to take just a
minute and let this group that's here
for this case uh head on out and then we
will
start back up.
» I'm going to wait on Mr. Banks to take a
seat and then we're going to move on
with tonight's agenda.
>> It's what you get for having an old man
» It's what you get for having an old man
on the board.
>> I know. I'm going to forgive you and
» I know. I'm going to forgive you and
you're not an old man.
Next on our agenda is new business and
we have LU260188
and Z260187
land use change from rural residential
agricultural to from
rural residential and agricultural to
suburban and rezone 5.99 acres from A1
to R1 to create a five-lot residential
subdivision. Applicant owner is Mark
Sanchez Properties located on Lochland
Road is the applicant present?
If you would please step up to the mic,
state your name, address, tell us what
your plans are.
» Yes. Um
my name is Mark Sanchez. I live at 313
Milledge.
Um
I'm asking to uh this evening uh for my
property. It's uh 5.99 acres on Lochland
Road
uh to be rezoned uh to R1.
Um currently it is raw undeveloped land.
Uh the purpose of the rezone is to
rezone the property from A1 to R1 to
permit development of a five-lot
single-family
residential subdivision consisting of
approximately one-acre home site.
Uh the proposed development is designed
to be compatible with the surrounding
residential character
while utilizing planned public water
service and individual septic systems.
Um
so
with that, uh about 500 ft from my
property tract now,
uh water has been installed. Uh Bright
Homes, I believe, owns 24 lots, one-acre
lots.
Uh it's demarked to the left of their
property.
Uh my plan would be to bring that
uh water line down to my tract.
Uh and then I would install it in the in
the subdivision.
Um
and then I have a proposed road
uh with a cul-de-sac at the end as well.
And I have had this land surveyed.
The picture up on the monitor is
that that you see.
And
what else? Um the name of the
subdivision would be termed Lochlinburg.
Um be it that it's on Lochlin Road.
And
um
the type of homes that would be going on
this would be matching the surrounding
area.
Uh done my homework there, so um about
850,000 to 1.1
uh would be what I would propose to to
build uh and sell for.
Um
I believe that is all I have to say. So,
if I'd open up for questions.
>> Thank you. Any questions for the
» Thank you. Any questions for the
applicant?
>> Mr. Sanchez, [clears throat] this land
» Mr. Sanchez, [clears throat] this land
to the west is the new subdivision that
just went in.
>> Yes, sir.
» Yes, sir.
>> You would butt up to those lots.
» You would butt up to those lots.
>> That's correct.
» That's correct.
>> That's what
» That's what
And those lots are Are they one acre?
>> They are.
» They are.
>> Okay.
Is there Is there a pond on your
property?
>> There is no no pond. No no stream. Um
» There is no no pond. No no stream. Um
it's
>> How about a retention pond?
» How about a retention pond?
The area
>> That will have to be Yes, yes. That will
» That will have to be Yes, yes. That will
have to be figured out and I haven't got
>> But it's not on your plat. It's not on
» But it's not on your plat. It's not on
what you're proposing.
>> Uh
» Uh
this is just uh a survey that was done
and a and a mock-up of what that would
look like, but a retention pond would
need to be uh figured out in a civil
uh drawing. So, I just haven't haven't
gotten that far yet.
>> Okay.
Um
I don't really as much have a
question just as a comment. So,
I look at a lot of subdivision plats.
I'm going to look at a couple tonight
later on. And you you have got a ton of
frontage just to pick up one lot.
Um you got
five lots and street that when you're
complete it's going to be donated to the
county.
And then the county is going to have to
figure out how to maintain what's within
this neighborhood
off of just five lots.
Um
it just seems like
it seems like trying to push this and
once you get retention on there, I think
you're probably going to lose a lot. So,
then you're going to be down to four.
Um
how
the burden that's going to be placed on
those homeowners
for just the taxes to maintain
their particular street. I
I just seems
seems
hard to make the economics. That's just
thought I'm having as I'm looking at it.
Any other questions?
>> And public works noted a diesel lane as
» And public works noted a diesel lane as
well.
>> Yeah, she's stating that public works
» Yeah, she's stating that public works
has indicated that there would need to
be a diesel lane which is going to
encroach on your first lot on the right
coming in.
>> Okay.
» Okay.
>> Any other questions?
» Any other questions?
>> I believe the price range you were
» I believe the price range you were
talking about the other the nearby
homes is on larger tracts though,
correct?
>> They are. They are on larger tracts, but
» They are. They are on larger tracts, but
I with the resources that I was putting
in there,
I was going to do curb and gutter
on there as well.
And I was going to make it a five home
site enclave there.
Uh,
and
uh, have the home prices be higher to
account for what you're talking about. I
did not know that I needed a diesel
lane,
so that's new to me.
I was hoping is is that going to be a
fact? That's I'm going
>> It was noted
» It was noted
It's noted to us by
the public public works Walton County
public works reviewed your request and
then they noted back to us that that
would be something that they would
require.
>> Okay.
» And they also noted verifying site
distance with the entrance location.
>> I I I had called in and asked about a
» I I I had called in and asked about a
diesel lane, so I guess I misunderstood
because I didn't think I needed that for
uh, my particular project, but they're
saying that that is needed.
>> Yes.
» Yes.
>> Okay.
» Any additional questions?
Thank you.
We're good, sir. If I need you, I'll get
you back. Is anyone here in opposition
to this?
No one in opposition?
Sir, are you raising your hand?
Well, I think
if you could step up and put that into
public record, we'd appreciate it. And
we'll get that answer for you in his
rebuttal.
That's the best way for me to handle
business. That way everybody that's
watching on Facebook gets to see you,
too.
If you'd had on a Georgia Tech shirt,
I'd have told you to just stay back
there.
Uh-oh, I done made somebody mad up here
on the board.
» I'm Doug Fisher. I'm at 1141 Lockland.
Uh the only question I really have is um
the price sounds nice. How many square
feet are these houses to offset
the fact that it's on 1 acre versus, you
know, most of most of it's two or two,
five or six.
>> Thank you, sir. Yes, sir. We'll get an
» Thank you, sir. Yes, sir. We'll get an
answer for you. Anyone else in
opposition?
All right. If you would If you would
come back up and just address that in
your rebuttal.
» Yes, sir. So, um that would be
anywhere between 3,200 and 3,800
square feet.
>> Okay.
» Okay.
Any other questions while the
applicant's here?
Thank you, sir.
Is anyone here to speak on behalf of the
applicant as a proponent?
If not, I will bring it back to the
board for a motion.
» In lieu of the uh
concerns that came up and the
appropriateness for this area, I make a
motion to deny.
>> I have a motion for denial. Do I have a
» I have a motion for denial. Do I have a
second?
>> Second.
» Second.
>> I have a second. All in favor, raise
» I have a second. All in favor, raise
your right hand and say I.
>> I.
» I.
>> I.
» I.
Any opposed?
>> I.
» I.
>> One opposed.
» One opposed.
Two opposed.
All righty. And this will go to the
Board of Commissioners uh next month,
okay?
Tracy, you got the vote.
Thank you.
Next on the agenda for this evening is
Z260189
to rezone 5.70 acres from A1, B3, M1, M2
to M2, B3 for a motor vehicle sales,
auto repair, maintenance, salvage yard,
warehouse and outdoor storage, and
variance on setback buffers to eliminate
the 10-ft landscape strip along Highway
11. The applicant is Reyes Autos and
Trucks LLC. Property is located at 2412
Highway 11 is the applicant here. If you
would please step up to the podium, give
us your name, and tell us what your
plans are.
And your address as well, please. Name,
address, and tell us what your plans are
for the property.
» Good evening, uh
Mr. Chairman and member of Planning
Commission. My name is Esa Khan.
Yeah, EK Engineering Consultant, the
applicant for this case is located at
555 North Point Center East, Alpharetta,
Georgia. And I'm an engineer with EK
Engineering Consultant and I'm here to
present this application on behalf of
the property owner. Uh the property
owner and the member of his team is with
me and they will be happy to answer any
question
later.
Uh as you can see on page 32
the case number, the total site area is
approximately 10.4
acres and is currently zoned A1, B3, and
M2.
Uh the property has historically been
used for residential, vehicle storage,
and salvage-related activities.
And the proposed uses include motor
vehicle sales, automotive repair and
maintenance,
salvage yard office, warehouse, and
screened
outdoor storage.
Uh
this application proposed proposes to
rezone approximately 5.7 acres by
rezoning A1 zoned portions to B3 and M2.
And approximately 1.13 acres of the
existing M2 zoning to B3.
Uh this proposed zone rezoning is
consistent with Walton County
2022 future land use map. Uh the
application also will include some
variances and transition buffer requests
that we will discuss.
Now,
if you look at the page number
34
uh
the the top figure shows the surrounding
uh
the surrounding zoning, which is
uh the surrounding area contain both
residential and commercial uses.
The adjacent property to the north, uh
the south and west are preliminary zone
A1,
uh which are single-family residential,
and
the properties across Highway 11 include
both commercial, B2, and A2 zoned
properties.
Below that same page 34, the future land
use map for this property is highway
corridor character area, and the
proposed B3 and M2 M2 zoning is
consistent with this designation.
On the next page,
the current zoning
The current zoning is, I discussed
before, we have A1, M2, and B3 zoned
area. The the total A1 zoned portion
are proposed to be zoned to B3 and M2,
while approximately 1.13 acres existing
M2 is proposed to be zoned to B3.
And the proposed, as you can see on this
uh page here, the proposed B3 zoned wide
a 200-ft uh
wide
frontage along the Highway 11, while the
remaining area is proposed to be zoned
M2, as you can see in this figure on the
screen.
Uh
This proposed zoning creates a logical
and unified development pattern that is
consistent with his with the highway
corridor future land use designation.
Also, the proposed, If you look at this
proposed development layout including
the general arrangement of building,
access,
parking, and
internal circulation and other required
site improvements.
Some existing residential driveway along
Highway 11 are proposed to be removed
while the remaining driveway access
point are proposed to be modified.
Any proposed modification to the
existing highway access point will be
subjected to GDOT approval review and
approval through the applicable
permitting process.
As I mentioned, there are some variances
and and transition buffer modification
variances. The first one,
if you look at
this s-
um page on the top is the
b- uh the B3 on the north side and also
on the south side, the transition buffer
variance for 0 ft uh because of the this
was an access easement before and there
is a current existing building that is
in this area.
Uh so, we are requesting for the
improvement
on the site and also due to the existing
building a 0-ft buffer. Also, on the
south side, we are requesting for this
B3 area only a 0-ft buffer because there
is an existing um pond in this area.
>> An existing what?
» An existing what?
>> A pond, retention pond.
» A pond, retention pond.
>> Okay.
» Okay.
>> So, those are the two reason we are sp-
» So, those are the two reason we are sp-
we are we are requesting the 0-ft
transition buffer.
Also, on M2
zoning, we are asking for design
modification and requesting a 25-ft
transition buffer with screened fence.
On the
on the
for the for the two existing properties
that is renovated that is supposed to be
renovated,
uh one those properties are not
satisfying the 60-ft front buffer
require front setback requirement and we
are we are requesting
uh
a variance for the two existing
properties for that front setbacks.
Also, we are requesting uh to the extent
possible a 10-ft landscape strip
variance along Highway 11 because of the
existing property condition, because of
the existing pond, and uh
um and to accommodate the
parking in this area.
With that, uh
to summarize, this application eliminate
the existing split zoning configuration,
uh creates a unified B3 and M2 M2 zoning
pattern,
and is consistent with the Walton County
future land use map, and it creates a
unified zoning pattern that support the
coordinated future development. Also, it
supports the continuous investment and
economic activity along the highway
corridor. Uh with this, we respectfully
request uh your recommendation to
approve the proposed rezoning together
with associated variances and tran-
transition buffer modification. Thank
you, and we will be happy to answer any
question from the commission or the
crowd. Thank you.
» All right, thank you so much. I
appreciate that. Uh on the
shot that's up on the screen, the
portion in the back where those parcels
or portion of the parcel is shown as M2,
what is the proposed use there?
Everything around the front on the
highway and then where the warehouses
are, um we we have a definition as what
that's being proposed a proposed use
for, but within that large area in the
back, what is that proposed for?
>> Those will be a screen storage area.
» Those will be a screen storage area.
>> A screen storage area.
» A screen storage area.
And what's going to be stored there?
>> Those will be salvage vehicle.
» Those will be salvage vehicle.
>> What type of vehicle?
» What type of vehicle?
>> Salvage.
» Salvage.
>> Salvage vehicles.
» Salvage vehicles.
>> Salvage vehicles.
» Yeah.
So, we're talking about inoperable
vehicles.
>> That's correct.
» That's correct.
>> Wrecked, whatever. Okay.
» Wrecked, whatever. Okay.
>> Yes.
» Um
you obviously have not yet
saw G. Good luck, but you haven't saw
them yet. So, you don't know if they're
going to give you these two entrances.
>> So, there are currently three on our
» So, there are currently three on our
preliminary conversation with them.
The middle one is going to be
avoided or eliminated. This what the
initial communication with G.
But, they're asking for more information
and
>> So, are you are you seeking two entry
» So, are you are you seeking two entry
points?
>> Two entry points.
» Two entry points.
>> Okay.
» Okay.
But, but as right now, you don't know if
they're going to confine you to one with
interior
uh access or if they're going to give
you the two. You That has not been made
yet, that's termination. Is that
correct?
>> is not made and
» is not made and
>> Okay.
» Okay.
>> Yes, that's not a part of the rezoning
» Yes, that's not a part of the rezoning
we we we
>> Right. And then you're indicating an
» Right. And then you're indicating an
existing building which was I think for
tire repair.
>> That's correct.
» That's correct.
>> Yes, on the north
» Yes, on the north
>> That existing building and it will be
» That existing building and it will be
proposed to be used for that in the
future as well. Is that true?
>> That's true.
» That's true.
>> Okay, so you got the tire repair, then
» Okay, so you got the tire repair, then
you've got the car dealership, and then
as you continue south, you got the auto
repair.
Um the request says major and minor auto
repair. Uh will these be
um
like
just typical vehicles or large trucks? I
mean, can you tell me the breakdown of
what you plan to work on?
>> Yeah, they're typical vehicles. What
» Yeah, they're typical vehicles. What
they're going to be used for is taking
the salvage cars and
>> Sir, come come to the microphone,
» Sir, come come to the microphone,
please.
>> Yeah, yes, they're going to be typical
» Yeah, yes, they're going to be typical
vehicles. What they're going to be used
for is taking apart the uh the the parts
that are good from the salvage vehicles,
and they're going to be using using
those and storing those, and then
using the uh those cars and storing them
in the back side of the M2.
>> Okay.
» Do you You're [clears throat] also
running a wrecker service?
» Yes. Yes, sir.
>> And that'd be a 24-hour
» And that'd be a 24-hour
on-call?
» No, it's going to be our regular hours.
No, not 24 hours, no.
>> It'll only be working hours.
» It'll only be working hours.
>> For the Yes, sir, only working hours.
» One question I have, uh the
area that is now A1 in the back, and it
will be M2, and you said it's going to
be used for storage of
salvage vehicles.
>> Yes.
» Yes.
>> property already been cleared, and are
» property already been cleared, and are
there storage vehicle salvage vehicles
already on the property?
» Um the north side on the A1 on the north
side, there is.
And it has been cleared, yes, sir.
>> It has been cleared.
» It has been cleared.
>> Yes, sir.
» Yes, sir.
>> Okay.
» Okay.
Christie,
um is there any past history with code
here?
>> There is, yes.
» There is, yes.
>> Recent?
» Recent?
>> Um it is under Well, it was this was
» Um it is under Well, it was this was
what brought um
A portion of it's already being used as
a salvage yard for Mr. Harville. Um
and he went went in and did some
additional clearing out and uh code
enforcement had stopped him. So, this is
a result of code enforcement um to get a
better understanding of what they're
doing out there, what they want to do,
and get everything in compliance.
>> Okay.
» Okay.
>> And add the two
» And add the two
um on the northern side, the two back
lots that are currently A1
and the south part of the A1 property um
>> [clears throat]
» [clears throat]
>> that they have acquired to rezone those
» that they have acquired to rezone those
to appropriate zonings.
>> Okay.
» Okay.
And on that portion warehouse office,
that's mini storage warehouses I would
expect that you have there. Is that what
you've got?
>> There is an existing building and
» There is an existing building and
they're going to renovate it to the
>> to mini storage.
» to mini storage.
>> Yes.
» Yes.
>> Okay.
» Okay.
>> Yes.
» Yes.
>> And the office space that's designated
» And the office space that's designated
would be for the mini office spaces.
>> That will be for the purpose of the
» That will be for the purpose of the
salvage yard office.
>> So, the office would be So, it would
» So, the office would be So, it would
have nothing to do with the storage
warehouses. It would only be for the
salvage portion.
>> For the salvage portion of the
» For the salvage portion of the
>> Okay.
» Okay.
>> Yes.
» Any additional questions?
Thank you all. Appreciate it.
>> Thank you.
» Thank you.
>> Is anyone here in opposition to this
» Is anyone here in opposition to this
request?
Nobody in opposition.
Um
So, I'm going to bring this back uh
to the board for a motion.
Any Any additional comments from any of
the board members?
Anything we need to talk over?
So
>> want I just like clarification from
» want I just like clarification from
staff that
a large portion of this property is
already re-zoned to M2 and the salvage
yard was approved at that time, right?
>> That is correct.
» That is correct.
>> Okay.
» Okay.
>> Um this The salvage yard kind of
» Um this The salvage yard kind of
pre-dates the ordinance. Um Mr. Harwood
did come in
um and bring that into compliance over
time.
Um and then this is just to get the rest
of the property
that has potentially already been used
for this use into compliance. And then
what hasn't been used in the back has
not been used in the back in compliance
with zoning so that it could be further
used.
>> Thank you.
» Thank you.
>> Okay. So that clarifies that part of the
» Okay. So that clarifies that part of the
property being asked for salvage has
been
currently is being used and has
previously been approved. Thank you,
Josh. Thanks for bringing that up.
Um one of the things I wanted to mention
is I certainly understand
that you guys asking for
um
the landscape strip up front that to be
removed.
I can appreciate that because I don't
think there's a auto dealership that
I've ever been by that didn't park the
cars right out on the road.
However, you have a tire repair
and auto repair.
So
um
I I don't want to give the same weight
to those structures that I give to
when you need visibility. There's
certain things you need visibility for
and there's things that you don't as a
business owner is what I'm trying to
say. And I realize what those are
um
and at the same time I think that
there's a purpose for for that uh
land-
strip to be there. So,
kind of want to shed light on both of
those
uh
in a reply. And also on the south side
of the property, the comment was made in
the request for the reduction to zero
buffer in that there's an existing
retention pond.
Christie, would it be fair for me to say
that
with the addition of these other tracks
into a salvage yard situation and the
development of potentially new
structures on the front and to the side
that the site plan and retention that's
there now may not be adequate for
future?
Would that be
>> That would be. And they would need to
» That would be. And they would need to
submit that what they're adding
that additional
>> Okay.
» Okay.
>> That pond would hold it.
» That pond would hold it.
>> The pond that's there now would hold any
» The pond that's there now would hold any
additional they add.
>> They would have to prove that all of
» They would have to prove that all of
this, if not, they would have to either
increase it or provide additional.
>> Yeah.
» Yeah.
>> Yes.
» Yes.
>> Um
And where the tire repair existing tire
repair is there, what what is the
abutment of the adjoining property?
Now, well, just what's the use and the
zoning for the adjoining property on the
side, which would be the north end of
the frontage?
» On the north is a an A1 piece of
property.
>> Okay. So, the adjournment where there is
» Okay. So, the adjournment where there is
an It's really hard to to read in that
small print, but on that north end that
that last building is an existing tire
repair building according to the
the applicant.
There's also a request there for zero
Um
how about one of you guys step back up
for just a second?
So, my question is on the on the north
end where the tire repair is, the
adjoining property there is being
indicated as an A1 property, is that
correct?
>> Yes.
» Yes.
>> And you're asking for zero
» And you're asking for zero
variance
to a join an A1 property.
So, you're wanting to take a B3 A1 with
zero
>> So, there was a there is an existing
» So, there was a there is an existing
easement driveway
easement for the A1
properties on the back side.
Uh,
and this is the back of the building.
So, there will be no noise because of
the existing masonry wall.
And the front of the of the
tire shop is the
is to the word the driveway that we are
showing. So, it's toward the south side.
>> So, the entrance to the south side, the
» So, the entrance to the south side, the
rear of the building faces the A1, and
on the A1 property there is a drive that
goes up directly behind there. It's an
easement to a property in the rear.
>> Right. So, we are removing that A1
» Right. So, we are removing that A1
zoning, so it's going to be in in two
now. So, there will be no need for that
driveway access easement. So, we are
removing that driveway on the north side
and using that area because there will
be a need for a septic system. So, we
may need to use that area for a septic
system as well, but since this is the
back of the property,
um, the back of the building, it
wouldn't create any
noise because it's a masonry structure
as well.
>> Okay.
Um,
I think you're you're Thank y'all. I
appreciate you answering that. You guys
can have a seat. I think that
the fact that uh
the property has a current use
um
for salvage, storage.
Um this would be a modification to make
that a bit larger.
Uh but also to add
um
some various
other opportunities, I might say,
uh to the area. It is certainly well
within the character area map. Um I
can't dispute that at all.
But there are there's a few things just
for concern that I want to see
um addressed. So, I'm going to make a
motion of approval with the following
conditions. On the south side of the
property where the current retention is,
any area
being shown
on what we have, Christie, and I'm
referencing what's up there,
that to me is in a color brown
because the back portion says screened
salvage.
And so, therefore, there is a line that
circles around the warehouses and the
office area that is not within the
portion that would be deemed as screened
salvage.
So,
anything from where where the retention
pond does not intersect the adjoining
property,
anything from that point
all the way back past the warehouses
will be screened in the same manner as
the salvage storage in the rear. That
will be
at a minimum of a six fence six foot
uh opaque fence
along that whole south boundary back to
what they've already indicated as
screened storage. And the screened
storage itself will also be a 6-ft 6-ft
opaque fence.
The portion on the north end where the
tire it's indicated for tire repair
that a zero variance is being requested
understanding that's the rear of the
building.
Um we do have a an adjoining property
there. Also would want the 6-ft opaque
fence to go from the section showing as
salvage storage uh screening all the way
uh to that abutment up at Highway 11
all behind that building.
On the front of the property
a portion being used and identified as a
car dealership showing parking spaces
out near the street
that section and that section alone
I will I'm recommending uh that the land
strip landscape strip uh require
requirement be removed for the part
there where the car dealership is
identified and only that portion.
Any other portion fronting Highway 11
for auto repair, tire repair the
required landscape strip would have to
be maintained as the code has
identified.
And that will be a completion of my
recommendation uh
with approval.
Do I have a second?
>> Second.
» Second.
>> I have a second. All in favor raise your
» I have a second. All in favor raise your
right hand and say I.
>> I.
» I.
>> I.
» I.
This will go to the Board of
Commissioners next month.
Thank y'all.
» Okay.
Next on the agenda for this evening,
Z260192.
This is the rezone of 103.56 acres from
A2 to R1OSC to create 57 residential
lots. The applicant is Bald Pate General
Contracting LLC. The owner is Grady
Thompson Enterprises LLLP. Property is
located on Nickelsville Road.
And I believe this person I referenced
earlier in the night with the blue dress
on is going to step up and present this.
So, come on up, give us your name, tell
us what the plans are here.
» Right.
Good evening. I'm Andrea Gray, 300 East
Church Street, Monroe, Georgia. This
evening, I'm representing Bald Pate
General Contracting LLC and its request
to rezone approximately 103 acres from
A2 to R1OSC for a residential
development called Bison Landing.
The property is just east of Fanny
Thompson Road and just west of Highway
11 and has frontage on Nicholson
Nickelsville Road.
It is in the neighborhood residential
character area under the future land use
plan, which does allow for the requested
zoning of R1OSC.
Here's just the general stats of the
project. It's 103.56
acres. We're proposing 57 homes,
uh 49.32
acres of open space. Significant open
space on this property.
Uh we're proposing to combine this with
the Bison Landing development that was
approved last year. And so when we
combine those two together, they'll be
together 221.75
acres. It'll be a total of 149 homes and
a total of 82 acres um of open space.
When you average all of that together,
it's about 1.5 acre um per home.
Here's the site plan with some some
notes made here. The thing that stands
out really from the site plan is all the
dark green, which is the open space.
Uh 49.3 acres. Um there's an amenity
lake within that, and we'll have a
pavilion and a walking trail um around
that lake. Uh we've got landscape strips
uh where the frontage is on Nickelsville
Road at the entrance and then at another
spot where where we um
um come back down to that road. We've
got the 50-ft transitional buffers um
around the property.
And we've got at the top there you'll
see that there's two connection points
to the existing residential development,
the R1OSC development to the north. So
we will tie into that development.
And here's a depiction of the
developments together. So once we tie
in, um you'll see that we'll have an
entrance off George Williams and then
another entrance off Nickelsville Road.
So we'll be able to flow traffic um
through two areas um of the development.
Um again, land use compatibility of the
neighborhood residential um future land
use designation accommodates this type
of development. Um this is a fantastic
location halfway between Monroe and
Bethlehem. Um it's already getting
popularity um and um
the demand for housing here in Walton
County. Um and again, the R1OSC I favor
anyway because it allows the green space
to be um
contiguous together and then the lots to
be a more manageable size.
Um, the community design and amenities
again on this 103 acres, there's 48%
open space which is nearly two times the
requirement. Um, we'll have the two
entrances. It'll be governed by an HOA.
Um, and then again the amenities that I
mentioned before with the lake, the
walking trail, um, and um, the pavilion.
And then of course as standard in all of
our developments, um, sidewalks and
streetlights will be um, a part of this
as well.
The homes themselves, um, 1,800 square
feet is the ordinance requirement. We're
proposing 2,000 square feet per home uh,
with upgraded exterior materials
including fiber cement siding and brick
and stone accents, um, sodded front
yards,
um, and then following the the Walton
County new tree ordinance requirements
uh, for trees.
Um, and then
again, this will be a high quality
community that blends in with the
development to the north uh, which was
also called Bison Landing. And so those
will blend together as a cohesive
development.
And these are representative um,
depictions of the houses, same ones with
that were used for the prior um,
development. Again, high quality homes,
2,000 plus square feet, um, you know,
long-term durable, attractive materials.
Um, as mentioned before, 50 foot um,
transitional buffers. A lot of the um,
open space is already wooded so we'll be
leaving that as a buffer against the um,
homeowners on Fanny Thompson uh, road
there. Um, and again we're upgrading the
entrance with a 10 foot landscape strip,
um, and you know, it'd be a very
attractive development from the road
frontage.
We did have a traffic analysis completed
um, on this property that was included
in the application um, that we prepared
and submitted based on the trip
generation thresholds that the Georgia
Department of Transportation puts forth,
the analysis showed that we would need
to do right turn deceleration lanes
coming out of Nickelsville and the
Williams George Williams
entrances. My client's happy to do
those.
The analysis showed that we were not
required based on those trip generation
standards to do a center turn lane.
So based on our analysis, we are going
to do those two right turn deceleration
lanes.
With that, we request approval of the
rezoning from A2 to R1 OSC for the Bison
Landing development. Happy to answer any
questions you may have.
>> Thank you. Any questions from any of the
» Thank you. Any questions from any of the
board members?
Thank you. Is anyone here in opposition
to this request?
Well, ma'am, I would like for you to
step up to this podium, tell us your
name and address, and tell us what your
concerns are.
» My name is I'm going to address my name
as a Campton citizen from 1985.
My name is Kelly Davis Connelly.
And I
I became a citizen of Campton in 1985
when my my mother brought me home from
the hospital.
>> Kelly, would you give us your address,
» Kelly, would you give us your address,
please?
>> Yes,
» Yes,
the address in Campton or my home
address?
>> Wherever wherever you reside
» Wherever wherever you reside
permanently.
>> Nickelsville Road.
» Nickelsville Road.
>> Thank you.
» Thank you.
>> Doster Manor. I'm speaking on behalf of
» Doster Manor. I'm speaking on behalf of
Doster Manor Senior Care Home and Miller
Manor Senior Care Home.
>> Okay, I know exactly what we're talking
» Okay, I know exactly what we're talking
about.
>> Yes. So I
» Yes. So I
I just want that I wanted to share that
I have been a citizen [clears throat]
since '85 because I love the soil I've
been raised on.
And and I am here tonight not to oppose
a subdivision.
I'm here tonight to address the safety.
I don't know if you've ever been on
Nickelsville Road between 4:00 and 6:00
at night.
You You can't get out on the highway.
Um the traffic backs up all the way to
Junior and Conoy Parker's house.
Now,
and you know and and we don't even have
that 100-acre subdivision that the first
phase that they're putting in. That's We
don't even have homes in there yet.
And so Nickelsville Road, do you know
how how long Nickelsville Road is?
>> I do. I travel it numerous times a week
» I do. I travel it numerous times a week
at 50 mph, mind you.
>> That's right. About a mile and a half
» That's right. About a mile and a half
long is Nickelsville Road. So So what
we're looking at is currently right
Well, we're looking at putting in 157
houses total on Nickelsville Road.
And we already have a traffic issue.
I've spoken to the Department of of
Transportation three times within the
last 6 months. So they first were going
to try to do a roundabout. So that was a
consideration. But there's gas pumps
under under the ground at Campton
Restaurant, and you can't do a
roundabout because those gas pumps there
are from the 1960s.
So there's there's no option with that.
And if you put a roundabout there, it
would take out every business there
basically except for probably mine
because I have a little bit of frontage
there.
So my point is is that it's it's a
safety thing, and I I want to say this,
and I hope it's okay that I say this.
There's a 94-year-old man that lives on
Nickelsville Road.
It's Tracy's father-in-law.
He drives that that that road every day
to turn into Nickelsville Road to the
Miller house to see his bed-bound wife
in her 90s.
It's it it's a safety issue for him
anyway.
But, he wanted her encamped in near his
home, so he can drive that little short
distance to see her.
And my point is is that it's it's all
about the traffic. I know there's going
to be an entrance into George Williams,
but do do you know the curve where the
where the entrance is going to be into
George Williams? I I'm a nurse. That's a
fatal curve right there as it is. And
tractor trailers fly up and down that
road. I took care of of Judge Judge
Searles
in in that Doster house until he passed
away. And you know what he used to say,
Kelly, I'm going to somehow I'm going to
get a red light here. I don't know how
we're going to get a red light, but
we're going to get a red light here.
And I I said all that to say is that
that area is so I mean, how many
accidents do y'all know of that Josh
Parker face? He puts it on Facebook.
We've had another wreck another hit to
the Camden restaurant. Another one. In
the past year, we've had at least five.
But, from 4:00 to 6:00, the traffic is
backed up all the way
to the Parkers.
You can't you can't get in the highway.
I I mean, there's no resolution for
that. And you know, I and I
I say this
with two entrances. Okay, one entrance
is going to come out near where the
Burgeses is. And that's within
1,000 yd of the other subdivision.
I mean, how in the world is all this
going to come and go?
I mean, it's it's not even feasible.
You're going to have to have a
helicopter to bring them in to get
people out with traffic. I mean, 157
houses?
So, and it also and I'm just I mean, I'm
just speaking is
you know what? I know what I'm saying is
null and void because any it's David
Thompson's family's property. Do you
know his parents were some of the finest
people I've ever met in my life. His
mother filed my first set of taxes when
I was 16 years old. If he'd have posted
it for sale, I'd have given him $2
million $2 million for that 100 acres
just to leave it farmland.
QuickTrip can offer me $4 million for my
corner right there. I wouldn't let them
have it because the older I've gotten, I
love the soil I've been raised on.
And if Junior Parker was living, he'd be
down here tonight speaking up as well.
I'm saying that we don't have any more
room for another subdivision right
there.
I mean
And and you know, and we all have a
problem on that road where the soil
don't perk. Soil don't perk. Thompson so
Thompson soil perks. It it it perked
over there where they bought that
property. The James Sales farm right
next door to it, I take care of James
Sales right now. And his and his farm is
right there. You know, his soil don't
perk.
And I can promise you all of that 100
acres they're they're trying to purchase
all of that don't perk.
Some of it might, but there's going to
be low areas that it doesn't. And I mean
and it's a we're never going to have
sewer out that far. Sewer's never going
to come that far.
I'm just saying and I want to go back. I
don't want to make it personal. I want
to go back to the fact. I love Canton.
We don't need another subdivision. One
with 100 houses on Nichols Ville Road is
enough. And we know the James Sales
farm's not going to move as a
subdivision because their soil don't
perk.
But one is enough. How about put a for
sale sign on it?
David told the the cashier at the
restaurant, "I've got to sell it because
my brother and sister want their
inheritance." Put it up for sale.
There's people that's got money that'll
buy it. That's some of the prettiest
farmland you've ever laid your eyes on
there.
There's people that'll purchase it. Why
do we have to make it a subdivision?
I just share my passion for Canton.
>> Yes, ma'am.
» Yes, ma'am.
>> And for the safety and for the residents
» And for the safety and for the residents
that are there.
>> Thank you so very much.
» Thank you so very much.
Anyone else in opposition?
I'm going to ask the applicant
to step back up. I'll make a couple
little quick comments regarding
uh
And while she's stepping up, let me ask
is anyone here as a proponent for the
request or the rezone that wants to
speak on behalf of the
in favor of? Okay.
So,
um
ma'am, I want you to understand that we
heard everything and we greatly
appreciate you being here tonight, okay?
All right, Andrea.
>> Yes, sir. Well, I just want to say
» Yes, sir. Well, I just want to say
greatly um appreciate Ms. Connerly
speaking tonight and her passion for our
community and for her taking care of
some of the the greatest members of the
community that have come through Walton
County. Um I love her passion uh for
that and I appreciate her speaking
tonight. Um
And trying to kind of look at this from
an objective standpoint, which this
board is is that that is what this board
is here to do. When you look at this
from an objective, legal, regulatory
standpoint, we're checking all the boxes
to be able to be approved for this
rezoning.
We're consistent with the future land
use plan.
We have done our homework on the traffic
analysis. We've had an actual engineer
look at this from a GDOT regulation
perspective and given us advice on the
things that we need to do to make those
improvements to make this a safe
development and we're going to do those.
Uh we've got the two entrances to help
the flow of traffic.
Um
and as far as GDOT, we can't control
what the state does, you can't control
what the state does.
We're happy to have a conversation with
GDOT about those two areas, but we're
doing all that we can do on our
development to make it as safe as
possible.
And when you look at the overall
traffic, you know, coming down Highway
11,
um
our two developments combined are 149
homes for both developments
would increase traffic less than 2% of
what's already coming there. So, we're
we're not
creating the problem here. We're doing
all we can on our side for what we can
control to make it as safe as possible.
And once again, we're meeting all the
requirements of the ordinance and the
future land use plan.
So, with that, I'm happy to answer any
other questions you may have.
>> Um Andrea, I know that you indicated
» Um Andrea, I know that you indicated
um
that you guys planned to have a
landscape buffer, if you want to call it
that, out front, and you also know
um
I have been a part of
not only the property that's adjacent
that's going to be combined with this,
but also one up the street.
Um
and in doing so, in consistency with
what I have done on those,
being that there's exposure from
Nickelsville Road both at the point of
entry, and also there's the other
between the residential outparcels and
the commercial outparcels on the corner
>> Yes.
» Yes.
>> uh that the lady spoke of.
» uh that the lady spoke of.
Um
I would like to see
that when you're talking landscape
buffer, we're both more specific.
Uh there is no tree line as there was on
the neighborhood up the street, so
the whole thing's exposed. Um I want to
see some type of fencing,
uh shrubs,
and trees
that'll be future buffer from the
roadway
that are consistent with the other two,
uh,
in the conditions that were proposed on
those.
For for that, I'm and I'm asking you,
that's what I'm asking you, do you see
an issue with that with your developer?
>> No issue.
» No issue.
>> Okay.
» Okay.
Uh, just following consistency there.
Um,
I don't have any further questions at
this time. Anyone else have a question?
Thank you, Andrew.
Uh, I want to address a couple concerns.
So, first of all, I mean, I came there
tonight. I went to Camden, took a right
up highway 11 here.
Uh, I've been driving to Camden
restaurant and eating for
30 plus years.
You might have, and I just don't
remember you, and for that I ask your
forgiveness. As my hair continues to
turn this color, I forget more. So,
but uh, so I mean,
I know everything
that that, you know, has occurred, and I
I appreciate your concerns.
Um, I I don't think that I don't think
that there's anywhere I was just up at
my dad's house today, so to get what
used to be my grandfather's
property to get to my dad's house, I
have to drive through a neighborhood.
Uh, you know, change is
relevant. As long as we keep having
children,
we keep needing houses. So,
um, the use is the other thing, and
I feel like that
as I just spoke, um, obviously there's
been other requests and been very
consistent. I don't care who the
landowner is, that really doesn't matter
to me. I have a protocol I follow, and
that's being fair. Wouldn't matter who
the landowner is. I don't have a right
to tell one person yes and another
person no. I don't feel like that
that's, uh,
um,
would be proper in any way uh, if all of
the other checklist is is there. So,
um, but I I do want to tell you that I I
really appreciate your concerns and feel
uh, any pain that you feel. I live at
the corner of Hickory Grove and Bolt
Springs. It used to be no subdivisions
on Hickory Grove
and now there's four and I have a hard
time getting out of my own driveway and
I have a hard time getting in Bolt
Springs Road. So,
um,
it it just it it sneaks. I did hear
someone the other day, Tracy, have you
heard anything that somebody did tell me
that their DOT was looking really hard
at putting a traffic light there 11
Nichols Road. Have you
heard anything regarding that?
>> heard anything.
» heard anything.
>> Yeah, so anyway, uh, hopefully that
» Yeah, so anyway, uh, hopefully that
someday we we will see that. We all know
how that goes with state DOT, but
hopefully we'll see it.
Yes, ma'am.
So,
>> I've tried [clears throat] to deal with
» I've tried [clears throat] to deal with
DOT. I'd rather pull a
>> Yeah.
» Yeah.
>> teeth of a tiger on Prozac than I would
» teeth of a tiger on Prozac than I would
deal with the DOT.
>> I'm with you.
» I'm with you.
>> They might promise a red light there and
» They might promise a red light there and
it might be 10 years before you ever see
anything. We're still waiting on one at
78 and Youthsman Road.
>> Yeah.
» Yeah.
>> From God only knows how many years ago.
» From God only knows how many years ago.
So,
>> Yeah. Yeah.
» Yeah. Yeah.
>> Just cuz the state might talk to you
» Just cuz the state might talk to you
don't mean you fixing to get it.
>> That's right.
» That's right.
So, [clears throat] with that being
said, uh, our task or what we're tasked
with is we're tasked with looking at the
request, looking at how it conforms to
our land use map and also
uh, does it adhere to
um, general guidelines that were given
in consideration for any modification or
change. And with that,
I would like to make a motion uh,
regarding this case of approval with
the condition that I spoke of that and
this will include you where for entry's
going and also that portion between the
single family residential homes
and the commercial uh properties on the
corner of this lady here uh spoke of.
Uh so, all of that would have to be
inclusive of both the fencing,
shrubs, and trees all included
uh in entry as a buffer between
Nickelsville Road and this development
to grow up in the future and give a good
screen
uh to that neighborhood.
So, that would be the only implication
and I think that's uh the only request
outside. There was no other further
request for variances or anything. So,
with that, that would be my motion.
Do I have a second?
>> Second.
» Second.
>> I have a second. All in favor, raise
» I have a second. All in favor, raise
your right hand and say I.
>> I.
» I.
>> I. Any opposed?
» I. Any opposed?
All right. One opposed.
Four approved.
Thank you. And this will go to the Board
of Commissioners next month.
Next on the agenda for this evening is
Z260195.
This is the rezone 14.97 acres from A1
to A2 to create two
1.5 acre buildable lots.
Uh this is going to be for the
applicant's children children.
Uh
Ramps Ramperstad Rampersad
Rampersand
uh is the owner and the property is
located at 2940 Fanny Thompson. Sir, if
you would please give us your name and
address and tell us what you're asking
for here.
>> Uh good evening, Chairman. My name is
» Uh good evening, Chairman. My name is
Neil Rampersaud and I reside at uh 2940
Fanny Thompson.
And uh we're requesting uh zoning from
A1 to A2.
Uh we've been residents in Walton County
and operating a business for over 20
years.
Uh my kids here were educated in Walton
County.
Uh, they still live in it Walton County.
Uh, they attend they attend church in
Walton County. They serve in their
community. Community, uh, they serve
with uh Kids Outdoors Zone and uh
they've just been a blessing and a joy
to raise. Uh
It it was really heartwarming when our
kids decided to you know, talked about
building on our property. So, we're
requesting uh, just uh
A1 to A2. Uh, we had talked originally
my kids would say probably because I was
cheap I tried to do 1 acre, but Ms.
Malcolm suggested that I do 1.5 and then
uh turn it into A2. So, that's our
request.
>> Okay. And so, these two sites will be
» Okay. And so, these two sites will be
for both your children.
>> Yes, sir. One on one side, one on the
» Yes, sir. One on one side, one on the
other. Yes.
>> Yes, sir. All righty. Any questions from
» Yes, sir. All righty. Any questions from
any of the board members?
Thank you, sir.
>> Thank you.
» Thank you.
>> Anyone here in opposition to this
» Anyone here in opposition to this
request?
Anyone to speak as a proponent for the
applicant?
No reason for rebuttal. Any
questions, concerns, comments amongst
any of the members?
If not, I would like to make a motion
uh, for approval as submitted
for case Z260195.
Do I have a second?
>> Second.
» Second.
>> All in favor, raise your right hand.
» All in favor, raise your right hand.
>> Say aye.
» Say aye.
>> Aye.
» Aye.
>> Thank you.
» Thank you.
Tracy.
In a public format
I would like to note that I have made
some mistakes tonight.
I've not always in my recommendations
quoted the zoning number and you've
probably caught on to that. That's
because I've been absent for 2 months
and I apologize.
But, you keeping me straight, right?
Yes, ma'am. Thank you so much. We so
proud to have
Christie and Tracy and
>> The rest.
» The rest.
>> [snorts]
» [snorts]
>> The what?
» The what?
>> The rest.
» The rest.
>> The rest? Yeah.
» The rest? Yeah.
>> All y'all.
» All y'all.
>> Our support staff. Even Even Mark back
» Our support staff. Even Even Mark back
here.
>> Hanging out in the back.
» Hanging out in the back.
>> In the back. True Baptist back there.
» In the back. True Baptist back there.
So, we got We appreciate having all
y'all here tonight.
All right. So, last on our agenda for
this evening
is LU26-0179
and Z26-0177.
This is a land use change from
employment center to neighborhood
residential and to rezone 32.479
acres from A1 to R1OSC
to create 20 re- residential lots. The
applicant is Reliant Homes. Owner 81
Investments LLC. And the property is
located at Cedar Ridge Road. And Mr.
Butler, would you please step up?
» I'll skip the presentation. Uh this is a
pretty easy one tonight. This is 32
acres on Cedar Ridge Road, uh just off
Highway 78. Uh we are proposing to
develop a 20-lot subdivision here.
Uh first, we need to request a land use
map change. This is in an employment
center land use map, which would allow
anywhere from B1 to B3 to M1 to M2. So,
we are asking for a much less intensive
zoning as a R1OSC neighborhood and
requesting neighborhood residential to
do so. Uh that's was done with the
property to the west of us a couple
years ago and developed into a
subdivision
under R1OSC in a similar lot size and
lot yieldage per the acreage. Uh you can
see in the shaded area that is the
proposed open space. We're providing the
50-ft transitional buffer and making
that open space along the A1 property to
the east and rear. Um
as
stated before, we have an R1 OSC
subdivision just to the left of us. To
the north of us, we touch the Meritage
development that's in the city of Monroe
that's about 300 lots on 200 acres. So,
a much more intense zoning there.
Uh with that, I will see if you have any
questions and save the rest of my time
for rebuttal.
>> Thank you. Any additional questions for
» Thank you. Any additional questions for
the applicant?
>> Good.
» Uh Nate, just stay right there just a
minute. Is there anyone here to speak in
opposition?
Okay. All right. Come on up, sir. Give
us your name and
your address.
And tell us what your concerns are or
what questions you may have. We'll allow
Mr. Butler to come back and answer
those.
>> Uh John Ashley Barrientos. I own 599
» Uh John Ashley Barrientos. I own 599
Cedar Ridge Road, Ashley Hills Pet
Center on Cedar Ridge Road in between
all these big developments.
My biggest thing is there've been a
traffic report.
Uh we've already seen Rowe Road get shut
off where there's no cross traffic there
anymore cuz that got dangerous.
This is a nightmare intersection. I've
got clients and employees
that's it it scares the hell out of me.
Especially the older clients that come
down here. They try to turn off of 78.
You try to tell them how to go up and go
around and get on 138, get on that, get
on 11, get back on 78.
And that's that's more confusing for
them than than anything else. But my
fear is just that's going to be a
danger. From what you're talking about
all these other places, especially with
Compton, who knows when Georgia
Department of Transportation will ever
take a look at these things or try to
resolve them.
You know, that's kind of like a
junction, I guess, of county and city
right there. So, I kind of feel like
it's just in this little no man's land.
Nobody's going to pay attention to it
until there's astronomical deaths of
these students leaving that high school.
Cedar Ridge Road is already pretty
dangerous.
That turn coming through there,
especially in the wintertime, I mean,
that it's it's a lot of problems in
there. Um
that there's issues with the county in
that. when we had trees fall down, I
tried to talk to the sheriff about that
and he didn't even know where it was. Um
it just interesting little area there,
but it's we don't even have reports yet
on what the neighborhood at the end of
the road's going to be with 300 somewhat
homes going in. I'm pretty sure they're
going to be putting homes across the
street there as well. I think they're
already
pre-set for that. So, that's going to be
another couple hundred homes.
As far as a business owner, I love it.
More homes, more people, more business,
more opportunities for me. But, I'll
still look at the community and I think
we need to start looking at the danger
that we're putting in this community
with all these neighborhoods so packed
together.
It just I it moving to this community,
I've been here for 20 somewhat years.
Awesome to see the growth. Again, as a
business owner, I love to see the
growth, but I do think we need to put
more into the aspects of the danger that
we're creating on the roadways. Cars are
going faster.
Kids getting these licenses. It's you
know, we're right there by a high
school.
So, just something to think about.
That's it.
>> Thank you, sir.
» Thank you, sir.
>> Cool. Thank you.
» Cool. Thank you.
>> Appreciate it.
» Mr. Butler, if you'd step back up for
rebuttal.
>> Yes, sir. So, we did not do a traffic
» Yes, sir. So, we did not do a traffic
impact study on this one and I'll be
honest with it being 20 lots, I know
what it was going to say and that we'll
need to do a right in D-cell lane. Um
it's not going to generate enough
traffic with 20 lots to require a left
turn lane. So, we saved the $2,000 to do
that prior to getting a zoning approval.
If the county in their review of our
construction plans require it, we we'll
do whatever the county requires. Um I
will just say again, with going from the
employment center to a neighborhood
residential, we are going with a much
less intensive zoning that could go on
this 32 acres that would generate a lot
less traffic than what we could request
under the current future land use map.
So, I think long-term this puts less
traffic on this
Cedar Ridge Road than if it stays as
currently in the future land use map.
» Okay. Um
So, while you're here,
um is there anyone here as a proponent
on behalf of this applicant?
Okay.
Um
Sir?
Um I
I kind of I'm I'm just just following
protocol. You can talk with Nate. I'm
sure he'll open himself up. Yeah. Yeah.
Yeah, he'll open himself up talk to you
after the meeting.
Um
You
heard what I requested of Andrea
regarding the entry.
Um so, if there's exposure
open, not tree line, on the
right-of-way. If it's tree lined, you
don't have to disturb it, fine. But, if
it's disturbed
or if it's open,
that there be fencing,
um shrubs, and trees for future
blockage of
the subdivision site from from that road
right-of-way. Do you have any problem
with that as a condition?
>> This site's fully wooded and
» This site's fully wooded and
>> Okay. So, you're going to leave the
» Okay. So, you're going to leave the
trees
>> non-disturbed bus buffer along the
» non-disturbed bus buffer along the
right-of-way. So,
>> So,
» So,
>> we we will do a
» we we will do a
landscaped entranceway where we tie into
the subdivision with a cell link.
>> And so, any trees that are existing
» And so, any trees that are existing
along the right-of-way, you'll leave as
many as you can. Where you disturb for
your entrance, you will put the fencing,
trees, and shrubs in that area that
exceeds uh for grading.
>> Yes.
» Yes.
>> You good with that?
» You good with that?
>> Yep.
» Yep.
>> Thank you.
» Thank you.
That's it. Anybody else have a question?
Any discussion among the board members?
All right. If not,
I would like to make a motion LU260179
and Z260177
uh for approval with the condition that
was agreed upon by the applicant at our
public meeting
uh for the disturbed area for the entry
that anything that has or is currently
tree lined on the right of way will be
left except for what needs to be
disturbed for the entry and that that's
will be fenced have shrubs planted and
trees for
future screening of that neighborhood
from the public right away. Do I have a
second?
>> Second.
» Second.
>> All in favor raise your right hand and
» All in favor raise your right hand and
say I.
>> I.
» All right.
Is there any public comment?
No Mark, you're not allowed.
All right, with that I'll take a motion
for adjournment.
>> So moved.
» So moved.
>> I have a motion do I have a second?
» I have a motion do I have a second?
All in favor raise your right hand and
say I. I. Thanks everybody.
» Mhm.