CLARKESVILLE, Ga. — Habersham County commissioners voted Monday to extend a temporary housing moratorium through June 16, aligning it with a delayed vote on the county’s proposed unified development ordinance.
The board approved the extension without objection following a public hearing, citing the need to allow a newly elected commissioner to take part in the decision.
The move follows the commission’s decision to delay a vote on the county’s unified development ordinance until a new commissioner is seated.
MORE Haberesham delays decision on sweeping development code
Moratorium tied to development code timeline
Planning Director Mike Beecham said the moratorium, first adopted in September, was designed to pause certain residential development while the county finalized a sweeping rewrite of its land-use regulations.
“We’re nearing the finish line, so we’re requesting to extend the moratorium … so the ordinance can be in effect before we get any subdivision request,” Beecham said.
Originally set to expire in March, the moratorium was extended to June 16 to match the commission’s revised timeline for considering the ordinance.
Extension ensures full board participation
The decision comes as the Board of Commissioners operates with one vacant seat following the resignation of Commissioner Jimmy Tench earlier this year.
County Attorney Angela Davis said extending the moratorium alongside the delayed ordinance vote would help prevent a surge of development applications before new rules are in place.
“If we want to continue to ensure that there’s not an onslaught of applications before we get the new regulations in place, then this moratorium would make sense,” Davis said.
Chairman Bruce Harkness said the delay is about ensuring full representation before a decision with long-term consequences is made.
“I don’t want to make any more decisions concerning the whole future of this county without … this county being represented,” Harkness said.
What the moratorium restricts
The moratorium temporarily halts certain residential development activity, including:
- Preliminary plats for subdivisions of five lots or more
- Rezoning applications tied to specific residential districts
- Other development activity is still permitted to continue.
Resident presses board over repeated delays
During the public hearing, Habersham County resident Henry Lovell spoke in opposition, sharing a personal example of how the moratorium has affected his plans.
Lovell said he had a contract on a piece of property where he intended to build five homes on 15 acres, but the project stalled when the moratorium was first enacted last year.
“They keep extending moratorium, moratorium, moratorium,” Lovell said. “It don’t take forever to somebody to make a mind upon something… Enough of that’s enough.”
Lovell questioned how long property owners would be expected to wait, adding that delays have left him uncertain about what he can do with his land.
Harkness acknowledged Lovell’s frustration and said he understood how the ongoing pause could impact residents and local investment.
“I’ve known Mr. Lovell my whole life,” Harkness said. “It’s a shame when you hinder good people and good enterprises.”
Harkness then directed Planning Director Mike Beecham to follow up with Lovell to review his specific situation and determine what options may be available.
At the same time, Harkness said the board must balance individual impacts with broader concerns about how future growth is managed.
“I don’t want to rush into adopting that big book of ordinances without making sure everybody’s fully aware,” he said. “I don’t want to make decisions … without 20 percent this county being fully represented.”
Officials call for more public participation
County Manager Tim Sims said the county plans to hold another public meeting in the coming weeks to gather additional feedback on the development code.
“We do encourage everyone to show up as much as possible,” Sims said, noting that previous meetings have drawn limited attendance despite outreach efforts.
Next steps
Commissioners are now targeting June for a final vote on the unified development ordinance, after the District 3 seat is filled.
The moratorium will remain in place until June 16 to ensure development decisions align with whatever regulations the board ultimately adopts.
