Planning Commission approves rezoning request for second dwelling on Woodland Road

The Hall County Planning Commission convened on April 7, 2025, to discuss several agenda items, including a notable request for rezoning. The meeting began with procedural clarifications and a brief overview of the agenda.

The primary item of discussion was a rezoning request for a property located at 5691 Woodland Road. The applicant, Michael Rouse, sought to rezone the 17.58-acre tract from Agricultural Residential 1 (AR1) to Ag 1 to allow for the construction of a second dwelling. Rouse explained that the purpose of the second dwelling was to accommodate his aging parents, who are relocating from Arizona to Georgia. He emphasized that the request was straightforward, clarifying that he was not seeking to establish a campground or gas station on the property.

The Hall County staff recommended approval of the request with three specific conditions. Following Rouse's presentation, the public portion of the meeting was opened, but no comments were made either in favor of or against the application. The commission then moved to close the public portion and proceeded to discuss the motion.

A motion was made to approve the request with the staff recommendations, which included a condition that all zoning conditions be incorporated into any plat created for the property. The motion received a second, and after a brief discussion, it was unanimously approved by the commission.

The planning commission's recommendation will be forwarded to the Hall County Board of Commissioners for final action during a public hearing scheduled for May 6, 2025, at 6 PM. Rouse was advised to attend this upcoming meeting to ensure the continuation of his request. The meeting concluded with a positive note, allowing Rouse to proceed with his plans for his family.