CLARKESVILLE, Ga. — The Habersham County Planning Commission has unanimously approved a proposed new development code and zoning map, clearing the way for the measure to move to the Habersham County Board of Commissioners for final consideration.
The vote came during a public hearing held March 3 at the Habersham County Courthouse. Planning commissioners voted 5-0 to recommend approval of the county’s proposed Unified Development Ordinance with several modifications suggested by the board.
The ordinance represents a major overhaul of the county’s development rules and zoning structure, part of a broader effort county leaders say is intended to manage growth while protecting Habersham’s rural character.
Recommended changes
Before voting to recommend the ordinance, the planning commission proposed several adjustments to the draft code.
Among the changes, commissioners recommended lowering the minimum home size in subdivisions from 1,800 square feet to 1,500 square feet and removing residential uses from the county’s General Industrial zoning district.
The commission also recommended:
- Eliminating curb and gutter requirements in rural residential, conservation and agricultural districts
- Requiring traffic studies only for developments generating more than 50 peak-hour trips per day
- Requiring closed-loop cooling systems for data centers, along with a 500-foot setback from the nearest residence and sound barriers
- Establishing a 1,500-foot setback requirement between cell towers and existing buildings
Planning and Development Director Mike Beecham presented the ordinance to commissioners and asked whether they wanted any changes before forwarding it to the county commission for consideration.
Public comment
Several residents spoke in opposition to the proposed ordinance during the public hearing, including Bruce Carlyle, Chris Rudden, Henry Lovell and Eddie Davidson.
After public comment closed, the planning commission discussed the proposal and approved a motion to recommend the ordinance with the listed changes. The vote was unanimous.
Separate cell tower request approved
During the same meeting, the planning commission also approved a separate request related to a proposed telecommunications tower.
Cellco Partnership, doing business as Verizon Wireless, sought approval to install a 185-foot monopine-style cell tower on Commerce Parkway.
Representatives for the applicant said the site met the company’s criteria for tower placement. Several nearby property owners spoke in opposition, raising concerns about potential radio-frequency exposure near a child day care facility.
Commissioners ultimately approved the request unanimously.
Next step
The planning commission’s recommendation on the Unified Development Ordinance now goes to the Habersham County Board of Commissioners, which will make the final decision on whether to adopt the new development code and zoning map.
The proposed ordinance is part of a broader county effort to update land-use rules as development pressure increases across Northeast Georgia.
