CLARKESVILLE — The Habersham County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a limited extension of the county’s development moratorium Monday, keeping a pause on major residential development in place through July 21 as officials continue work on a new Unified Development Ordinance.
County Attorney Angela Davis said the extension will remain in effect until the day after the board’s next meeting, allowing additional time for review and updates before the ordinance moves forward.
“It’s stated in the moratorium to be until July 21 through, which is the day after the next meeting,” Davis said.
Davis told commissioners the extension is intended to give newly seated District 3 Commissioner Danny McClellon time to review the proposed ordinance, while also allowing staff to incorporate additional public comments gathered during recent outreach events, including a June 4 town hall and June 11 open house.
“It would just be a motion to adopt the limited moratorium for another period of time following until the next meeting,” she said.
UDO feedback largely positive, staff says
Planning Director Mike Beecham told commissioners that public feedback on the proposed Unified Development Ordinance has been largely favorable, with roughly 90% to 95% of comments described as positive.
Beecham said county staff spoke with about 200 residents during the recent town hall and open house sessions.
“Once most folks understood that we were going through this to try to protect the county, take the future of the county, and 90 to 95% of the comments were very, very positive,” Beecham said.
He said data center regulations generated significant discussion, but most residents were satisfied after hearing proposed safeguards. Beecham also said provisions allowing limited family exemption subdivisions were well received.
Beecham added that staff received about 20 requests for more restrictive zoning, primarily requests to reclassify property to agricultural zoning, which were incorporated into the draft map.
Zoning changes under review
Beecham also flagged several zoning inconsistencies and requested commissioner input on additional changes before finalizing the ordinance.
He identified parcels on New Liberty Road currently designated as High Intensity zoning that he said should be changed to Rural Residential due to surrounding land uses.
“There are no commercial uses there. Those are all residential uses,” Beecham said.
He also pointed to a large area of High Intensity zoning on Pea Ridge Road consisting largely of farmland and conservation-use property, saying general commercial zoning would not be appropriate for the corridor.
“I don’t think we’ll ever have those on Pea Ridge, and then I don’t think we want those on Pea Ridge,” he said, referring to high-traffic commercial uses such as grocery stores, banks and drive-through restaurants.
Beecham said he would follow up with commissioners after further review of the proposed changes.
Commissioners discuss process, authority
Chairman Bruce Harkness said residents still have an opportunity to request changes before the ordinance is adopted, but emphasized that the review period is nearing completion.
“If somebody in the county needs once a change made, you know we need to hear from because after it’s in place, then Mr. Beecham may have the authority to make those changes, or it may have to come before this board,” Harkness said.
Commissioner Kelly Woodall said it is standard practice for planning staff to make initial administrative determinations, with an appeal process available for those who disagree.
“There has to be a staff member that makes that call, and so it’s pretty typical that the planning director would make the decision,” Woodall said.
Woodall also thanked residents and staff for their involvement in the UDO process.
“Well, thank everyone for their participation in this UDO project,” she said. “I mean, it’s been a major undertaking, and having community involvement, whether it’s positive or negative, that’s what we’re here for, and it’s not always easy, but it’s a worthwhile process.”
He added praise for county staff and public engagement efforts.
“And I think everyone who came out to ask questions, see their property listed on the board, and ask Mr. Beecham and his staff — wonderful work. Just the collaboration across the county has been just wonderful. So, thank you. Thank you for the citizens for participating.”
Moratorium extended unanimously
Davis said the moratorium extension will remain in place through July 21, one day after the board’s next meeting, giving commissioners additional time to consider final adjustments to the ordinance.
The board approved the extension unanimously.
Public comments will continue to be accepted during designated portions of future meetings as the county moves toward final adoption of the Unified Development Ordinance.
