City Council Discusses Standards for Developing 200 Acres in Multiple Phases

During the recent Planning & Zoning Commission meeting held on July 15, 2025, in Bulloch County, significant discussions centered around the development standards for large parcels of land. A key topic was how to manage the phased development of properties, particularly when a developer purchases a large tract, such as 200 acres, but intends to develop only a portion of it initially.

Commission members raised questions about how to apply zoning standards when a developer plans to build in stages. For instance, if a developer plans to create 49 lots in the first phase of a 200-acre project, there was uncertainty about whether they would be held to the standards for smaller developments or if they would need to comply with regulations for larger subdivisions. This ambiguity could impact how future developments are structured and regulated.

Another important discussion focused on the requirement for open space in developments with 50 or more lots. Currently, the commission conditions each approval to include some form of playground or open space, but members debated whether this should be a standard requirement rather than a conditional one. The consensus leaned towards making open space a mandatory aspect of larger developments, which would streamline the approval process and ensure that community needs for recreational areas are consistently met.

The commission plans to revisit these topics in future meetings, aiming to clarify regulations and enhance the planning process for developers while ensuring that community interests are prioritized. As Bulloch County continues to grow, these discussions will play a crucial role in shaping the landscape and livability of the area for its residents.