CLARKESVILLE, Ga. — Habersham County leaders will host a community town hall April 13 to gather public input on proposed updates to the county’s Unified Development Code (UDC), as they continue to weigh changes that could shape future growth.
The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Ruby C. Fulbright Aquatic Center in Clarkesville.
The county said the town hall is intended to provide an open forum for residents to ask questions, share concerns and learn more about the proposed revisions following heightened public interest in recent weeks.
The event comes after the Habersham County Board of Commissioners delayed a vote on the sweeping code overhaul and extended a housing moratorium through June to allow more time for public input and refinement.
Commission Chairman Bruce Harkness previously said the county would not take action on the UDC until after the May special election to ensure a full board is seated, emphasizing the importance of broad representation in a decision with long-term impacts.
“We want to make sure every district has a voice at the table before we move forward,” Harkness said during the Board’s March 16 meeting.
The proposed UDC updates address a range of development issues, including housing density, infrastructure demands and land use planning. County officials have said the ordinance is designed to guide where homes and businesses are built, protect natural resources and manage growth across Habersham County.
Residents have raised concerns about potential impacts on property rights, housing affordability and rural character, while others have urged the county to plan for growth in a way that aligns with available infrastructure.
Despite multiple opportunities for the public to review the potential changes to the code, County Manager Tim Sims told Commissioners earlier this month another town hall was necessary due to the lack of participation.
“We do encourage everyone to show up as much as possible,” Sims said, noting that previous meetings have drawn limited attendance despite outreach efforts.
Commissioners have acknowledged those concerns, with officials noting the goal is to balance growth with preservation.
“This is about getting it right,” one commissioner said during prior discussions. “We’ve heard the concerns, and we want to take the time to address them.”
The April 13 town hall is part of that effort, providing another opportunity for residents to engage directly with county leaders before any final decision is made.
