Bullock County discusses conservation subdivisions to balance housing and farmland preservation

During the recent Planning & Zoning Commission meeting held on July 15, 2025, in Bulloch County, Georgia, significant discussions centered around the introduction of conservation subdivisions as a development strategy. This approach aims to balance the growing demand for housing with the preservation of farmland and sensitive environmental areas, particularly in light of the county's proximity to the Port of Savannah, which is expected to drive further growth.

Conservation subdivisions are proposed as a flexible zoning tool that allows developers to create smaller lots while maximizing the use of available land. For instance, under current zoning regulations, a developer could potentially create 81 lots on a 100-acre parcel, but with conservation subdivision guidelines, they could cluster these lots into smaller, more manageable sizes—such as 16,000 square feet—if connected to public sewer systems. This method not only conserves land but also reduces infrastructure costs related to sewer lines and road construction.

The meeting highlighted the importance of a structured process for developers, which includes pre-application conferences and detailed site analysis reports to identify wetlands and other constrained lands. This ensures that sensitive areas are protected while allowing for development that meets community needs. The proposed regulations would require developers to submit a yield plan that outlines how they intend to manage the property, potentially involving homeowners associations or county management for conservation easements.

Three regulatory approaches were discussed for implementing conservation subdivisions: requiring a rezoning to a specific conservation subdivision zone, using overlay districts to limit development to certain areas, or incorporating conservation subdivisions as a permitted use within existing zoning categories. The latter option was favored as it simplifies the process for developers and aligns with the county's growth management goals.

Overall, the discussions at the meeting reflect a proactive approach to urban planning in Bulloch County, aiming to accommodate future growth while safeguarding the region's agricultural and environmental resources. As the county continues to evolve, the implementation of conservation subdivisions could play a crucial role in shaping sustainable development practices. The commission is expected to gather further feedback from stakeholders as they refine these proposals and consider the best path forward for the community.